Merz touts importance of German aviation sector at Berlin Air Show

Germany’s aviation sector is vital to the country’s economic future, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday in a speech to the ILA Berlin Air Show.

The biennial International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) opened on Wednesday on the grounds of Berlin’s international airport, with around 750 exhibitors expected from 37 countries.

The ILA showcases new products and innovations from the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors, with drones and the recent collapse of a Franco-German fighter jet project set to be key points of discussion at this year’s event.

“Our aerospace industry not only underpins innovation and economic strength; it also safeguards our sovereignty and our ability to defend our country and our alliances,” said Merz.

The comments came hours after Merz’s Cabinet passed a new aviation strategy, pledging that “Germany, together with its European partners, will remain permanently successful as a leading aviation nation over the next 15 years.”

The new strategy covers climate-friendly aviation with a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions through carbon-neutral fuels, supply chain stability and the role of German airports.

The government also “affirms the importance of internationally competitive location costs for an attractive flight offering and international connectivity,” the strategy added.

Germany’s aviation sector has long complained of excessive government fees, with airlines and industry representatives calling on Merz’s government to address the high charges.

The Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament, passed a cut to ticket taxes last month, but Merz also pledged to lower air traffic control fees and to cover costs for regional airports.

Together, the package would relieve the sector by around €500 million ($578 million), he said.

The German Aviation Association (BDL) warned that the strategy does not contain concrete measures, adding that there is an urgent need for action. “Germany still ranks among the countries with the weakest development of air traffic since the Covid pandemic,” said the organization’s director general, Joachim Lang.

The ILA fair is closed to the public until the weekend. The programme also includes a number of political forums and flight demonstrations featuring military and civil aircraft.

Protest disrupts opening

Preparations for the conference were disrupted early on Wednesday by a group called “Peacefully against Genocide,” with activists blocking access to the site with a sit-down protest.

In a statement on Instagram, the group said “protesters are opposing the cooperation between exhibiting companies and the Israeli regime.”

“The focus on the criticism is on the presence of Rheinmetall and the Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems,” the statement continued, referring to a major German arms manufacturer.

“Both companies are closely involved in the ongoing genocide in Palestine and are presenting combat drones and air defence systems in Berlin today.”

The German and Israeli governments have consistently rejected the claim that Israel has carried out a genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice in The Hague is hearing a case brought by South Africa on the issue.

Police officers removed the activists from the pavement. They were due to remain in police custody for several hours to prevent further offences and have been banned from the premises.

The activists are accused of violating the Freedom of Assembly Act and causing a dangerous obstruction to traffic.