Simon McNamara, director general of the European Regions Airline Association, highlighted the vital role that regional aviation plays in Europe, enabling regional connectivity, economic growth, social mobility and ensuring territorial cohesion.
Speaking at the Passenger Terminal 2015 Conference & EXPO in Paris, at the session Airport Cities & Transport Connections, Simon McNamara, director general of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), highlighted the vital role that regional aviation plays in Europe, enabling regional connectivity, economic growth, social mobility and ensuring territorial cohesion.
Referring to the European Commission’s planned communication on the future competitiveness of aviation in Europe, McNamara said: “ERA welcomes the Commission’s recognition of the contribution that European aviation makes to the EU economy. Europe’s regional operators play a key role within this sector but often fail to receive the acknowledgement they deserve. They enable European connectivity and allow smaller regions to compete within Europe and the rest of the world. However, regional carriers often operate in challenging markets and harsh environments and need to know that they can count on the support that they deserve at the highest levels in Europe. The Commission’s aviation package is an encouraging sign that airline policies that provide this support will be developed.”
In his presentation McNamara referred to the association’s new strategy for the future of European regional airlines which draws a very clear picture of ERA’s ambition for regional aviation in Europe. He explained: “ERA is looking forward to working with the European Commission to help define policies that will enable the growth and development of its member airlines and the industry that supports their progress. The Commission’s planned aviation package presents a great opportunity to shape the future of European airline policies for the better.”
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