ERA Regional Airline Conference 2025 – a hub of innovation and influence in Copenhagen

20 March 2025: The 2025 ERA Regional Airline Conference – the first major event of the year for the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) – ignited two days of groundbreaking discussions, high-level networking, and game-changing insights in vibrant Copenhagen.

Industry leaders, policymakers and aviation professionals converged at the prestigious Copenhagen Marriott Hotel to tackle the future of regional aviation. Panel discussions delivered bold perspectives on the industry's most pressing issues, including a focus on innovation, with advancements in regional aircraft technology and the disruptive power of AI and digitalisation.

A recurring theme was the sector’s societal and economic value, with speakers reinforcing the essential role regional airlines play in connecting remote and island communities, providing critical lifelines that drive economic and social prosperity. The need for balanced policymaking that acknowledges the unique challenges of smaller carriers was equally a key discussion point, alongside advocacy for fair regulation, with experts emphasising that a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach does not work for regional aviation.

In an engaging session with airline and airport member CEOs, powerhouse speakers Martin Gauss, CEO and Chairman of airBaltic; Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organisation; and Daniel Attard, Member of the European Parliament, who explored critical challenges and transformative opportunities in regional aviation. Another key highlight of the conference was the keynote address from Eddy Liégeois, Head of the Aviation Policy Unit at the European Commission who delivered a compelling analysis of European aviation policy’s strategic direction.

Beyond the conference floor, delegates seized invaluable networking opportunities, including a welcome lunch, a lively cocktail reception, and the Airline and Airport CEOs’ Breakfast.

ERA’s Director General, Montserrat Barriga, reflected on the event’s resounding success: “This year’s ERA Regional Airline Conference has reaffirmed the strength, resilience, and innovation within our industry. The insights shared in Copenhagen will drive regional aviation towards a smarter, greener future. With momentum soaring, ERA looks ahead to its next gathering, continuing to drive regional aviation forward with bold leadership and a shared vision for the future.”

ENDS

Please click here to see the full event programme.

Download the event photos here.

For more information, please contact Becky Warburton, Editor Corporate Communications, at becky.warburton@eraa.org