We, the undersigned European social partners of civil aviation, representing both employers and employees in the wider civil aviation sector, wish to reiterate our serious concern regarding the EU-Qatar Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

The air transport system relies on a delicate balance of human expertise, technology, and robust regulations. The pilot’s role as the safety conscience of the system is essential, serving as the final arbiter in decisions that directly impact safety.

Replacing the traditional out-of-the-window view with cameras and transferring data between airports and a Remote Tower Center (RTC) introduces new hazards and challenges to flight operations.

As the EU is moving towards mandatory exclusive use of PBN from 2030, significant safety issues as well as technical, operational, and regulatory challenges have emerged.

The long-awaited revision of Air Services Regulation (Regulation 1008/2008) has made a new turn since the arrival of the new Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.