ERA: Traffic improving after worst year on record
06-Apr-2010 The European Regions Airline Association (ERA), which represents 65 intra-European airlines, has recorded a decrease in passenger demand of 4.2% for 2009.
As almost 200 senior European air transport executives prepare to gather in Edinburgh next week for the 8th annual ERA Regional Airline Conference, initial indications for 2010 (the 30th year of ERA's existence) are that demand is beginning to improve, offering a note of cautious optimism.
"The economic recession has been worse than the combined effects of the Gulf War and '9/11', making 2009 the most challenging year on record. Nevertheless, ERA has continued throughout to fulfil its role in providing essential air services for Europe's regions," said ERA Director General, Mike Ambrose. "ERA airlines have even managed to ride the storm better than Europe's major carriers which recorded a 5.6% traffic reduction.*
"Europe's regulators must recognize that intra-European airlines are key enablers of economic prosperity, feeding many other industries throughout Europe. They are also a vital link in the structure of European society. Now more than ever, regulators should use us as essential partners in achieving common goals to help ensure that both air transport and Europe achieve stability and progress."