Solutions for our future

Welcome to this ERA Regional Airline Conference special edition of Regional International.

New technologies, green solutions

The start of 2024 is proving so far to be the moment that next-generation technologies are very much leading regulatory and industry discussions.

At the beginning of January, the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA) met for its General Assembly to discuss its objectives and actions in preparation for the entry into commercial service of hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft. The purpose of AZEA is to bring together the aviation ecosystem to start planning for the roll out of these aircraft, involving smaller industry players and start-ups working on air transport solutions that are less polluting. Additional information on AZEA can be found within De Havilland’s report on page 6 [1]of the magazine.

The recent European Parliament report on electric propulsion for short and medium- range flights pointed to the fact that this new technology will also bring sustainable and essential connectivity to remote areas, islands and outermost regions, and highlighted the benefits of such novel modes of propulsion for short and medium- range flights within regional aviation operations. It was agreed that the Alliance should take on board the recommendations of the Parliament and make them a reality.

Following this, ERA met and welcomed representatives from new technology aircraft manufacturers, as well as established OEMs, together with regional airlines, to discuss and explore the synergies to enable and accelerate the roll out of electric, hybrid–electric and hydrogen aircraft in regional air transport. The meeting provided opportunities to consider adoption challenges, offer insights for policymakers and reflect on the entire aviation ecoystem. Under the ERA umbrella and current activities, this group will meet on a regular basis to foster discussions on how best to address opportunities and policies that will enable these new technologies to support regional airlines. A key aim will be to provide renewed political momentum into the debate on new technology.

Whilst Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) remain a focal point as a solution for cutting aviation emissions in the future (although SAF has its own challenges in terms of production and infrastructure), the development of new technologies offers opportunities for the regional sector to lead our industry's decarbonisation efforts while maintaining essential connectivity.

ERA Regional Airline Conference 2024

However, as we are all aware, it will be the financing of the green transition (including the development and deployment of these new technologies and the provision of SAF) that is a key consideration and vital to our industry’s environmental success. This year’s ERA Regional Airline Conference in Berlin will focus one of its conference sessions on this very issue, and I am sure the panel participating will provide useful commentary and deliberations as to how we will achieve this. Two further panels will focus on other industry challenges including competition and resource scarcity. To read all about these three panels and to find out who our high-profile speakers will be this year, please visit page 8 [2] of the magazine.

This year’s conference will also include a unique presentation from Dr Klaus Radermacher, who will provide an ecological assessment of transportation systems and shed light on the importance of accurate assessment methods to guide sustainable practices in the transport sector. Finally, this year’s inspirational speaker is multiple record holder and eco-adventurer, Roz Savage, the first and only woman so far to row across three oceans – the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian – solo. Combining her self-taught life skills with principles from neuroscience, psychology, leadership theory and personal development, Roz is sure to provide us with an inspirational insight into her unforgettable and incredible experiences. For more information, please visit page 10 [3].

Last, but by no means least, this year’s exclusive Airline and Airport CEOs’ meeting will include presentations and valuable insight from three distinguished regulatory representatives: Raúl Medina, Director General, EUROCONTROL; Maria Rueda, Strategy and Safety Management Director, EASA; and Henrik Mørch, Director, DG COMP, European Commission. Moderated by former ERA Board member and Managing Director of Altair Advisory, Patrick Edmond, the meeting is sure to provide our airline and airport CEOs with much to consider, at this, our first major event of the year.

I look forward to meeting those of you who will be attending the event, especially our new members participating for the first time. Be sure to download the ERA Regional Airline Conference 2024 app which provides all necessary event information, including the delegate list of those in attendance. Wir sehen uns in Berlin!