SEA Società per azioni Esercizi Aeroportuali
S.E.A. SpA
SEA (Società Esercizi Aeroportuali) è il Gruppo che gestisce gli aeroporti di Milano Malpensa e Milano Linate.
ID: 945661521767-46
Lobbying Activity
Meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Commissioner) and
13 Mar 2025 · High level dialogue on cruise industries and on European shipyards.
Response to Fitness Check of EU airports legislation
5 Jun 2024
Airport charges In a European airport industry that is privately financed, to guarantee that airports can put in the investment required, the regulatory stability for the aeronautical business is paramount. This means that the economic regulation rules at European level need to remain consistent and in place. SEA believes that the Airport Charges Directive (ACD) has produced a regulatory framework that has successfully delivered investment, connectivity and quality for airport users and travelers. The 2019 EU evaluation indicates market forces, not the Directive, drive efficient outcomes, minimizing the need for stringent regulation. Airport competition has now become an established reality, placing significant pressure on airport pricing and service offering. European airports face strong competition, with airlines having power over airports and able to choose where, when and how often to fly. We consider that the EU ACD is fit for purpose. Indeed, it ensures airports contribute to economic growth and environmental goals, with charges in 2024 8.6% lower than 2019 in real terms. Its flexibility was proven during COVID-19 when the ACD required no revision highlighting its fitness and efficiency. However, in some European countries, including Italy, we face the problem of over regulation. Regulation should apply when needed only. Over-regulation could harm airport revenues and infrastructure, impacting consumers and overriding agreements already reached between airports and airlines. Slot allocation Review of use-it-or loose threshold from 80/20 to 90/10 or even 95/5 for ultra congested airports, where congestion should be measured in terms of percentage of slots allocated during working days and regardless of the total traffic volume of such airports. Babysitting practice should be prevented or at least limited at ultra congested airports, regardless of total airport traffic volume, with specific reference to airlines holding a dominant position at such airports. Inclusion of locally defined priorities in the allocation system. This should involve full consultation of the airport by the coordinator, discussion of priorities in the coordination committee and reporting by the coordinator of the application of the priorities (i.e.: long haul routes, geographic markets not served at the airport, airlines operating a P2P business model, etc.). Ground Handling SEA recognizes the positive impact that the Directive 96/67/CE has had on aviation. However, the liberalisation of the market has also resulted in continuous pressure on margins for ground handler operators. We witnessed a downward spiral of lower wages and compromised service quality that turned into a negative passengers experience putting at risk the airport reputation. Is it possible to envisage a legal framework to guarantee a holistic high quality travel experience for the passengers travelling by air? The Directive stipulates that airport operators are responsible for the management of the infrastructure, including the coordination and control of the activities of the different operators present in the airport. Airport operators have struggled to coordinate and exercise control over activities of ground handler operators, which remain governed by contracts between airlines and handlers. Increasing operational complexity and congestion only confirmed the need for more control and oversight by airport operators. Airport operators should increase their remit to define requirements in cooperation with regulators to structurally improve the ground handling situation. The enforcement powers of airport operators remain limited (warnings, financial penalties). The power to suspend or expel handlers is only reserved for authorities. The Directive only provides that airport operators are informed about such decisions of their national authorities. SEA calls to involve airport operators in the oversight of ground handlers, including when taking enforcement measures.
Read full response