More than 350 aviation professionals from 170 companies including 44 airlines attended the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) General Assembly held in Innsbruck, Austria this week.

The event is the highlight of the association’s calendar, and delegates from across the European aviation community met to talk about issues that affect the regional airline industry.

Starting the event, the first conference session, titled ‘The power of a collaborative
approach’, saw discussions focus on how the entire aviation industry can work in partnership with
other industry stakeholders to deliver transport ready to meet modern consumer demands.

Jesper Rungholm, CEO, DAT Group, who moderated the first conference session, said: “To survive as
part of an industry that is both loved, needed and by some even hated, we have to collaborate. All parts
in this intricate machine need to deliver their part. Without the airports and manufacturers doing their
bit, the airlines will not be able to reach the ambitious goals we all both want and are willing to achieve.
But overall, we need the politicians to understand that they are also part of this collaboration and act
accordingly. It has been a pleasure to lead discussions on how we can, together, chart a course
towards progress and propel regional aviation into a future that is both sustainable and prosperous.”

Panellist Mary Considine, CEO, The Shannon Airport Group, said: “Collaboration in our sector isn’t just a
choice, it is essential if we are to grasp opportunities. It is our compass to navigate the winds of change
and the fuel for future innovations. Many interesting points were raised today, among these, how the
development of smaller regional aviation networks in Europe should form part of our strategic thinking
and help us on our goal of developing a greener aviation industry”.