A4A Statement in Support of the A4E and ACI Six-Point Plan on EES

Airlines for America (A4A) supports the joint six-point plan put forward by Airlines for Europe (A4E) and ACI EUROPE to help ensure the successful implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES).

U.S. carriers support the security objectives of EES and recognize its potential to modernize EU border management. However, achieving those objectives will require a coordinated, practical and adequately resourced approach that protects the passenger experience and maintains efficient airport operations.

A4A supports the following priorities identified by A4E and ACI EUROPE:

• Eliminating "double verification".
• Optimizing biometric verification.
• Preventing duplicate EES profiles.
• Rethinking and upgrading the "Travel to Europe" app and web portal.
• Accelerating and harmonizing Automated Border Control for third-country nationals.
• Restoring the possibility to partially suspend the EES (no registration of biometrics) in case of excessive waiting times as a permanent flexibility mechanism.

Passenger experience must remain a central consideration alongside the goals of secure and effective border management. Close collaboration among European institutions, national authorities, border agencies, airports, airlines and technology providers will be essential to ensure that EES delivers its intended benefits without the operational challenges or capacity constraints currently being experienced.

U.S. passenger carriers are significant contributors to the European aviation market, providing extensive connectivity between communities across the United States and destinations throughout the European Union. In 2026, U.S. airlines expanded that connectivity by launching service to several new EU destinations, creating additional opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, education and family travel.

These additions of20 new routes served by A4A members demonstrate the continued commitment of U.S. carriers to strengthening transatlantic connectivity and serving communities across Europe.

This balanced growth strategy of expanded service to smaller and emerging destinations across the continent while also increasing capacity at major European gateway airports enhances consumer choice, supports local economies and tourism and further reinforces the vital economic and transportation links between the United States and Europe.

For these reasons, the efficient implementation of EES is important not only for passengers traveling between Europe and the United States, but also for the many European communities, businesses, airports and workers that benefit from robust transatlantic air service. A smooth and predictable implementation process will be critical to sustaining future growth and ensuring that carriers can continue expanding connectivity between Europe and the United States.

A4A stands ready to work with A4E, ACI EUROPE, European institutions, national authorities, airports and airlines to support the practical implementation of this six-point plan and help ensure a smooth, resilient and successful rollout of EES.

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