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Aviation industry welcomes pause on roll out of new border system for EU

20 January 2023

Geneva & Brussels – ACI EUROPE, A4E, ERA and IATA welcome the decision to postpone the implementation of the EU’s new smart border system for non-EU nationals (i.e. Entry Exit System, EES).

The EES system will be a game changer for how the EU’s borders are managed. There are, however, a number of issues which must be resolved to ensure a smooth roll out and operation of the new system so that air passengers do not face disruptions. 

These issues include:

  • Wider adoption and effective implementation of automation at national border crossing points by national authorities,
  • Funding by Member States to ensure a sufficient number of trained staff and resources are deployed to manage the EU’s external border, particularly at airports,
  • Deployment of sufficient resources to support the implementation of new procedures by airports and airlines, and
  • The need for a public communications campaign to alert third-country nationals to the new requirements.

 

The aviation industry is fully behind the roll out of EES and is committed to working with the EU and national authorities for a successful implementation. But it is important the EU and national authorities address industry concerns and provide efficient coordination for an effective implementation. This includes EU-LISA (the agency responsible for managing the system) strengthening its communications with the industry, and with international partners such as the US, to ensure the IT systems are connected and compatible.

Postponing the implementation until after the busy 2023 summer period will give airlines, airports, EU and national authorities the opportunity to resolve these issues and ensure the system is fully tested. We therefore urge all those involved to make the best use of the extra time now available to address the outstanding issues and ensure enough resources are deployed for its introduction. A new start date for EES should be set to ensure continued smooth aviation operations and in particular trouble-free processing of passengers at airports. This will help deliver the time savings the European Commission identified as the biggest benefit of EES.

Building traveler confidence with an effective rollout of EES is critical for aviation sector as it continues its recovery.

 

 

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  • Note to editors

     

    The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of European countries using the system. The EES will apply to all non-EU travellers travelling to a European country withing the Schengen zone for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

    EU-LISA is an EU agency founded in 2011 responsible for the management of large-scale IT systems associated with the EU's area of freedom, security and justice. It is central to the implementation of the asylum, border management and migration policies of the EU. At its recent Management Board meeting, it confirmed the decision to postpone EES implementation. 

     

    Media Contacts

    A4E:
    Kevin Hiney
    Communications Director
    kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
    +32 499 828293

    ACI EUROPE:
    Virginia Lee
    Senior Vice President
    Communications, Membership & Marketing
    virginia.lee@aci-europe.org
    +32 2 552 09 82

    ERA:
    Paula Bangle
    GM Business Development
    paula.bangle@eraa.org
    +44 1276 485558

    IATA:
    Corporate Communications
    corpcomms@iata.org  
    +41 22 770 2967

     

    About A4E (Airlines for Europe) 
    Launched in 2016, Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association, based in Brussels. The organisation advocates on behalf of its members to help shape EU aviation policy to the benefit of consumers, ensuring a continued safe and competitive air transport market. With more than 720 million passengers carried in 2019, A4E members account for more than 70 per cent of the continent’s journeys, operating more than 3,000 aircraft and generating more than EUR 130 billion in annual turnover. Members with air cargo and mail activities transport more than 5 million tons of goods each year to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. Follow us on Twitter @A4Europe.

    About ACI EUROPE (Airport Council International)
    ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International (ACI), the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. Our members facilitate over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe. Air transport supports 13.5 million jobs, generating €886 billion in European economic activity (4.4% of GDP). In response to the Climate Emergency, in June 2019 our members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting.


    About European Regions Airline Association (ERA)
    Founded in 1980, European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 55 airlines plus around other 150 companies involved in European air transport, and is the only association that bring together the entire spectrum of companies involved in European aviation. The association supports and defends the airline industry in providing safe, efficient and sustainable air connectivity to all regions of Europe. By lobbying European regulatory bodies on policy matters, ERA promotes and protects social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the development of regional economies and local communities.

    About IATA (International Air Transport Association)
    IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 290 airlines comprising 83% of total air traffic. You can follow IATA at twitter.com/iata for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information.