The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is welcoming the European Commission’s recognition of the fact that the internal European Union (EU) air transport market is an engine for EU economic growth. This…
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is welcoming the European Commission’s recognition of the fact that the internal European Union (EU) air transport market is an engine for EU economic growth. This acknowledgement of the importance of intra-European aviation appears in the mid-term review of the EC’s Transport White Paper, entitled ‘Keep Europe moving – Sustainable mobility for our continent’, published on 22 June.
The original Transport White Paper, issued in September 2001, had outlined a very different policy, seeking not to develop but instead to constrain the growth of air transport.
ERA director general Mike Ambrose says: “This policy change confirms that European Commission Vice President Barrot and his officials are adopting, for the future role of air transport in Europe, a more enlightened and creative approach than the previous administration. We are very pleased that the extensive lobbying by the ERA Directorate and a number of ERA members has helped achieve this more realistic outlook.”
Reflecting on other elements of the mid-term review, Andy Clarke, ERA’s director, air transport policy, adds: “The moves for basic rights for passengers on all modes of transport are to be welcomed. ERA applauds the European Parliament for pushing for rail passenger rights to apply to all rail travel, not just international journeys. ERA also welcomes the environmental policy for transport recognising that operational and engine efficiency, and improved infrastructure, have a significant role to play in the future of sustainable mobility.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
