Austrian Airlines bailout to be linked to climate targets

(EurActiv, 17 Apr 2020) Coronavirus state aid for Austrian Airlines should support efforts to cut aviation’s carbon footprint, the Alpine republic’s environment minister said on Thursday (16 April), as the government negotiates with the firm’s parent company, Lufthansa.

Europe’s airlines are struggling to keep their heads above water, as virus lockdown measures slash demand for air travel. According to the International Air Transport Association’s latest estimates, global losses this year will nearly reach €300 billion.

Carriers are in the process of requesting crucial state aid from their national governments in order to be able to ride out the slump and the hunt for bailouts is now starting to pick up pace.

Yesterday, the Austrian government revealed that talks are ongoing with Germany’s national airline, Lufthansa, on the conditions for a deal to save Austrian Airlines, which has completely ceased flight operations.

The state aid will come with strings attached though, as Minister for Environment Leonore Gewessler told reporters that the money should be used to help hit the sector’s climate targets.

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EurActiv, 17 Apr 2020: Austrian Airlines bailout to be linked to climate targets