Lufthansa CEO Urges EU to Ease Aviation Rules Amid Potential Fuel Shortages
Lufthansa Group's CEO, Carsten Spohr, has called on European regulators to implement contingency measures to prepare for potential aviation fuel shortages. During the company's first-quarter earnings call, Spohr highlighted the need for the European Union to authorize the import of Jet A fuel from the United States, which is widely used at American airports, as opposed to the Jet A1 fuel currently required in Europe. This move would require minimal refinery adjustments. Spohr also advocated for a temporary suspension of airport slot regulations to prevent airlines from losing their take-off and landing slots if flights are canceled due to fuel shortages. Additionally, he requested an exception to the 'anti-tankering' rules, which would allow airlines to carry extra fuel for return flights, providing operational flexibility if certain airports face fuel shortages. The European Commission is expected to issue new guidance on this matter soon. 
