Surrey, UK, 2016-Jul-11 — /Travel PR News/ — The European Regions Airline Association’s (ERA) third Airline Presidents’ Summit was a great success. Held on 4 and 5 July in Brussels, the meeting brought together ERA’s board and member airline CEOs as well as Europe’s key policy makers and regulators to improve understanding and build a better future for Europe’s regional aviation industry.
The summit focussed on the European Commission’s Aviation Strategy and how this will impact the regional aviation industry in Europe. Henrik Hololei, Director General of Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), European Commission, was joined by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking, Luc Tytgat, Strategy and Safety Management Director, EASA and Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI Europe, along with ERA’s board and invited member airline CEOs.
Henrik Hololei comments: “Connectivity is a key issue for the European aviation market, and the wider European economy. It’s also a key priority in the Aviation Strategy. We are working to identify gaps and increase connectivity to benefit both people and business. But we are also working to use connectivity as a tool to bridge the development gap in Europe, ensuring vibrant communities capable of attracting jobs and industry. Indeed, industries such as tourism in remote regions would find it very difficult to thrive without regional services. So, I was glad to be able to participate in this year’s ERA Airline Presidents’ Summit. The discussions took us closer to our common destination – more and better connectivity and economic development, in all parts of Europe.”
According to Florian Guillermet, the ERA Airline Presidents’ Summit is an excellent means for SESAR to connect with regional airspace users. “It also allows us to forge a common path towards greater connectivity and mobility in Europe,” he explains.
Simon McNamara, ERA’s Director General, adds: “ERA’s annual summits bring our members and board face-to-face with Europe’s most senior regulators and decision makers to build better relations and understanding of the concerns of regional operators and the communities that they serve. This year’s discussions on the Aviation Strategy were very productive. It is rewarding to see that the important role that regional aviation plays in improving connectivity and promoting economic development in Europe is being recognised by the European Commission. ERA will continue to work on behalf of its members to ensure that the Aviation Strategy supports their vital work.”
To arrange an interview with an ERA representative, please contact Celia Mather, Manager Corporate Communications, ERA:
Email: celia.mather@eraa.org
Tel: + 44 (0)1276 485582
Mobile: +44 (0)7713 984792