The European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) board convened its quarterly meeting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria between June 30 and July 2 to address pressing regulatory risks, including the EU261 passenger compensation rules and the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate, which executives warned could threaten European regional aviation.

Hosted by Canary Islands carrier Binter, the three-day summit brought together 25 board members, regional airline executives, original equipment manufacturers, and suppliers to establish strategic priorities amid escalating compliance costs across the European regional aviation sector.

Operational discussions focused on the financial exposure created by the implementation of standard, non-diluted European Union environmental and consumer regulations on geographically fragmented networks. Delegates reviewed the cost trajectory of compliance with the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate, which enforces minimum sustainable aviation fuel blending targets at European airports, alongside the operational liabilities linked to the EU261 passenger rights framework. The board stated that rigid regulatory enforcement poses direct liquidity and network containment risks for regional operators serving remote destinations.

The event featured representation from regional government officials, including the minister of public works, housing and mobility of the government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez, and the director general of transport and mobility, María Fernández. Strategic working sessions additionally evaluated the ongoing industrial transition to new propulsion technologies and the long-term capital expenditure requirements facing regional carriers. Attendees also completed a site visit to the island of La Gomera to assess the infrastructure constraints and specific connectivity dependencies of the archipelago.

“We would like to thank Binter for hosting our Board meeting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and for facilitating these important discussions. Through its extensive network, which connects the Canary Islands and beyond, Binter demonstrates the essential role that regional airlines play in keeping communities connected and regional economies thriving,” said Jesper Rungholm, president of the ERAA.

“Regional aviation is much more than a means of transport: it is a cornerstone of Europe’s social cohesion, as it enables the economic development and connectivity of regions that depend on reliable air connections. The European Regional Airlines Association (ERAA) is proud to act as the collective voice of the European regional aviation community, bringing together airlines, airports, manufacturers and suppliers to advocate for policies that support a strong and sustainable future for the sector,” said Montserrat Barriga, director general of the ERAA.

“A territory that is possibly one of the best examples of the importance of air transport in uniting a geographically fragmented territory and favouring its socio-economic development. It is here where the vision, experience and way of working of regional airlines promote tailor-made connectivity with the quality that its inhabitants deserve,” said David Manzanas, chief executive of Binter Airlines.