Talking to Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E)

In this episode, we sit down with Ourania (Rania) Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E) to discuss key priorities of the airline industry in Europe including competitiveness and connectivity. Representing 16 airline groups that together operate over 80% of Europe’s air traffic, Rania advocates for their interests in Brussels. In our new podcast episode, she gives her take on the ongoing revision of the EU’s passenger rights legislation, highlighting the operational realities faced by airlines, and the need for a more balanced, clearly defined framework that benefits both passengers and operators.

The conversation also examines sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) under the ReFuelEU mandate. Rania shares her views on why mandates alone cannot build a functioning SAF market, explains the economic pressures on airlines, and suggests essential policy incentives that could accelerate investment and production across Europe.

For A4E, Europe urgently needs a new aviation strategy that better reflects today’s geopolitical and competitive realities – a new strategy that is pro-growth and pro innovation, supporting the entire aviation ecosystem so Europe can stay globally competitive, maintain connectivity, and keep flying accessible for everyone.

And on a more personal note, she shares her personal journey from Athens to Brussels, shaped by a childhood steeped in aviation and a career dedicated to European public policy.

Tune in for a candid, strategic look at how Europe’s airlines are navigating regulatory change, decarbonisation pressures, and the path to a more resilient, competitive aviation ecosystem.