ERA hails better EC dialogue, traffic gains
Regional carriers in Europe say that consultation and communication between the industry and regulators and lawmakers has improved, but they await better b

Regional carriers in Europe say that consultation and communication between the industry and regulators and lawmakers has improved, but they await better balance of consumer-rights legislation among all transport modes. “It has to be acknowledged that the European Commission has improved its performance in being more accessible and open to [considering] the views of air-transport experts,” according to European Regions Airline Association (ERA) director-general Mike Ambrose. He congratulated the EC on the improvement, adding, “They must accept that experts have more knowledge.”

The airline lobbyist sees a number of challenges, perhaps most notably passenger compensation and assistance regulations. “[Airlines are] trying to improve the quality of travel in a climate of counting every penny,” said Ambrose. “We are doing all we can to improve passengers’ experience.”