The European Regions Airline Association Ltd. (ERA) is a prominent non-profit trade association representing the interests of organizations involved in intra-European air transport. Founded with the mission to be the principal body advocating for regional airlines and associated stakeholders, ERA focuses on influencing regulatory and environmental conditions, facilitating technical cooperation and advancement, and garnering public and political support for the regional aviation sector. Its membership includes over 55 airlines and 160 other companies spanning airlines, airports, manufacturers, suppliers, and aviation services, collectively promoting social and territorial equality, cohesion, and sustainable connectivity across Europe.
ERA’s work centers around four main pillars: boosting regional connectivity, ensuring the competitiveness of European regional aviation, championing environmental and social responsibility, and promoting air safety, operational efficiency, and air traffic management modernization. The association actively lobbies European institutions on key files such as the Single European Sky, flight efficiency, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, passenger rights, environmental sustainability, consumer protection, European Investment Bank policies, slots, and public service obligations.
ERA has a dedicated team of five full-time equivalent lobbyists, three of whom hold European Parliament accreditation. The association is highly engaged with EU institutions, having participated in at least 13 high-level Commission meetings. Financially, ERA’s lobbying expenditures for the year 2022 were reported between €500,000 and €599,999. The association maintains its head and EU office in the United Kingdom, specifically in Woking.
While ERA supports the long-term goal of net-zero emissions for European aviation by 2050, it has expressed concerns regarding the economic impact of certain climate policies, advocating for flexible approaches to sustainable aviation fuels mandates and market-based climate regulation. ERA also actively engages in discussions around the EU Emissions Trading System and ICAO’s CORSIA scheme, often emphasizing the need to balance environmental goals with the competitiveness of regional airlines.
ERA organizes numerous events, webinars, and forums to facilitate information exchange and networking among its members, further strengthening its role as the unified voice of European regional aviation. The association is governed by a board of elected representatives from its diverse membership, ensuring strategic direction and financial stability.
