The final day of the European Regions Airline Association General Assembly discussed regulatory burdens on regional carriers including passenger rights and EU mandates for lower-emission aircraft by 2035.
The event at the Estoril Congress Centre in Portugal drew 54 airline members and 220 businesses in attendance over three days and reaffirmed commitments to decarbonisation targets while challenging the pace of regulatory implementation.
Regional airlines operate 1,800 aircraft on 2,000 routes carrying 100m passengers annually and contribute €15bn to the economy.
The ReFuelEU initiative requires 2pc sustainable aviation fuel in 2025 rising to 70 per cent by 2050 with initial costs up to €50m per small operator. ERA released a study titled Cutting emissions without cutting connections on how to adapt ReFuelEU for Europe’s regions.
The ERA Airline Awards ceremony recognised excellence sustainability and innovation among regional airlines. SKY express received the Airline of the Year award for its operational performance and connectivity contributions. Other winners included Air Alsace for Regional Airline of the Year and Loganair for Safety Award.
Panels addressed the potential for SAF mandates to bankrupt smaller operators due to supply chain issues and high prices. ERA called for flexibility in regulations to maintain routes to remote areas.
ERA advocates for regional aviation’s role in economic and social development across Europe.
