Cargolux joins pro-liberalization, anti-tax A4E organization

Cargolux has become the first all-cargo airline to join Brussels-based Airlines for Europe (A4E), the largest airline association on the continent. A4E is an airline advocacy organization, and the addition of a cargo carrier should offer a fresh “perspective on aviation issues that are impacted by regulations at European level,” said Richard Forson, president and CEO of Cargolux.

Forson added that, “the European Union develops many important policies that have a direct impact on an airline’s ability to transport air cargo efficiently, securely, safely and profitably. A4E has an important mission in representing the views of European airlines, and in working with the regulators to ensure that EU policy will contribute to the competitiveness of the European air transport sector and a level playing field at a global level.”

A4E is a new organization, officially launched in January 2016, however it quickly attracted big names, including Air France-KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group and Ryanair. The association has been a vocal proponent of liberalizing of the aviation value chain and instituting pro-competition policy and regulation within the EU.

One major front is tax cuts, with the A4E calling on the U.K. government to abolish the Air Passenger Duty in the wake of the Brexit vote.