#ThinkRegional

Last month ERA launched its Manifesto outlining its key priorities, with air connectivity very much at the forefront of the association’s vision.This, coupled with ensuring competitiveness and championing environmental and social responsibilities of regional aviation, together with promoting and co-ordinating air safety, operational efficiency and ATM modernisation, are highlighted as the key asks. Air connectivity is essential to ensure equal opportunities to all European citizens regardless of their territory, developing regional economies and local communities.The specificities of regional airlines must be considered – we must #ThinkRegional so no region, business or citizen is left behind. Click here [1] to view our Manifesto on our website.

Hungarian Presidency

As we enter the second half of the year, the Presidency of the European Union (EU) moves to Hungary, the final country in the current rotation following Spain and Belgium.The primary objective of the Hungarian Presidency is to facilitate a smooth institutional transition after the 2024 European Parliament (EP) elections, guaranteeing the continuity of work in the Council and supporting the functioning of the EU through constructive co-operation and dialogue with Member States and new institutional participants. A full report outlining the key priorities can be found on page 8 [2] of the magazine.

European elections seats

We expect this mandate to focus on industrial competitiveness and the implementation of sustainability reform. To keep up to date with the results in real time click here [3]. A detailed report can be found on page 6 [4].

The value of PSOs

ERA recently launched its study on Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, underscoring the essential role of aviation in maintaining regional connectivity, crucial for holistic development and encompassing economic, social, political and environmental benefits that contribute to the overall wellbeing and progress of regions and their citizens. PSOs are essential for maintaining connectivity in Europe, often in locations where travelling by air is the only transport option available. Greater flexibility and support are needed to ensure that airlines can continue to offer these crucial and valuable air links. A copy of the study can be found here [5].

Joint Industry Affairs (IAG) and Environmental and Social Group (ESG) meeting
Last month’s joint IAG and ESG meeting in Brussels welcomed more than 30 delegates from 24 member companies (including 13 airlines) to engage, contribute and understand the latest policy issues. The key takeaways, in addition to the launch of the PSO study, included:

• Following the EU elections, changes in the EP will likely result in different political priorities than in the previous legislature. We expect a greater priority to be given to competitiveness and industrialisation, and a shift away from climate issues, without calling into question the objectives of the Green Deal.
• From a policy perspective, the Fit for 55 (Ff55) package is almost finalised, with the only pending legislative dossier being the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive on which there is no political agreement within the Council at the moment. Therefore, the next mandate (2024–9) will focus on the implementation of Ff55 with DG MOVE expected to work on secondary legislation and implementing regulations – especially for ReFuel.
• ERA is participating in the work of the Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation – which is putting forward its work on EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) revenues for new manufacturers and green PSOs – as well as Destination 2050, with the new report to be launched in November 2024 and an EU Pact for Sustainable and Competitive Aviation.
• The monitoring, reporting, and verification framework for non-CO2 will become mandatory for intra-EU flights from January 2025. To prepare for this, DG CLIMA will publicly consult on the proposed method for non-CO2 reporting as well as the associated legal basis, with a view to propose a final scheme by 31 August 2024. A full inclusion of non-CO2 effects in EU ETS revenues is expected by the end of 2027.
• The forthcoming implementation of the Entry/Exit System and European Travel Information and Authorisation System will have an impact on air carriers, who will need to be ready to test these new tools ready for autumn 2024. For the moment, there is no exact date for implementation but there will be six months of testing and no transitional period. The European Commission is encouraging air carriers to register with eu-LISA to be informed of the progress of the carrier interface.

To read the full meeting notes, visit our website here [6]. I would like to thank all those who attended the meeting and contributed, and look forward to welcoming our members to our next group meeting, the ERA Operations Group in Brussels on 11–12 September. Click here [7] to register.