Question for written answer E-002426/2020 to the Commission Rule 138 Christophe Grudler (Renew), Dominique Riquet (Renew), Svenja Hahn (Renew), Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Renew), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew) Subject: Massive industrial recovery plan for airlines and the aeronautics industry in the light of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have experienced an unprecedented drop in demand and many have grounded their aircraft. These measures have had a huge impact on the aerospace supply chain. Deliveries are delayed, revenues are down and many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are almost bankrupt. The USA has decided to provide a massive support package to US aerospace companies totalling almost USD 60 billion. If the EU fails to do the same, it will create a serious imbalance that will penalise the European aerospace industry. 1. Does the Commission intend to rapidly draw up a post-COVID industrial recovery plan that would allow airlines and aeronautic companies to benefit from EU funds and measures to ensure their liquidity, such as guarantees and credit facilities? 2. In the longer term, should the EU’s industrial strategy contain a firm political commitment and measures to provide financial support for European innovation in sustainable aviation? 3. Furthermore, will the Commission build on existing initiatives (the CleanSky research programme, the Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking and the Single European Sky research and development programme) to establish a strategic partnership between the Member States, the EU and the aeronautics industry with a view to rolling out a massive industrial programme capable of maintaining the EU’s world leadership in this sector and its strategic autonomy? PE651.237v01-00.