Empowering Europe: The Vital Role of Regional Airlines in Economic, Social, and Environmental Progress
Key Ideas
- Regional air transport in Europe supported 335,100 jobs and contributed EUR23.1 billion in GVA in 2023.
- The sector's role in facilitating tourism added 4.5 million jobs and EUR205 billion in GVA.
- Regional airlines connect remote areas like Bornholm Island, Corsica, Canary Islands, and Scotland's Orkney Islands, enabling access to healthcare, education, and employment.
- The study emphasizes the environmental benefits of regional aviation, including the potential of low-emission technologies like electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
A recent study commissioned by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has highlighted the significant economic, social, and environmental impact of regional airlines across Europe. In 2023, regional air transport supported over 335,000 jobs and contributed EUR23.1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the European economy. The report also emphasizes the crucial role of regional airlines in facilitating tourism, which in turn contributed an additional 4.5 million jobs and EUR205 billion in GVA. One key aspect highlighted in the study is how regional airlines connect remote areas such as Bornholm Island, Corsica, Canary Islands, and Scotland's Orkney Islands, providing essential access to healthcare, education, and employment. The environmental benefits of regional aviation are also underscored, with a focus on fuel-efficient turboprop aircraft that emit lower CO₂ levels compared to regional jets on short routes. Furthermore, the study points out the potential for regional aviation to adopt low-emission technologies like electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Montserrat Barriga, ERA Director General, emphasized the essential role of regional aviation in Europe's economic resilience, social cohesion, and environmental progress, stating that regional airlines play a vital part in European decarbonisation goals. As Europe looks to the future, the ERA remains dedicated to advocating for fair policies and strategic investments to ensure the long-term sustainability of regional airlines and the communities they serve.