EESC work on aviation: Numerous opinions on all major issues: TEN/581 Aviation Package part I TEN/597 Aviation Package part II TEN/569 - Integrated EU Aviation Policy TEN/552 – Airport capacity in the EU; CCMI/125 – EU guidelines for state aid in aviation; TEN/504 Single European Sky II+; TEN/475 Airport package …and others Regular conferences and stakeholders meetings public hearings on Airport Capacity, SES and State Aid and Integrated Aviation Policy Close cooperation with the European Commission

Today’s conference as a part of the EESC follow-up on Aviation Strategy (to be continued)

6 pillars of the strategy (proposed by the EESC in 2015) Safety Connectivity Competitiveness Sustainability Operational excellence Global competition

Holistic approach to aviation: “An inter-dependent network of airlines, airports, ground handling companies, ATM organisations etc. not only generates employment as a sector, but for the regions and communities this industry connects. The higher the degree of connections, the more relevant such connections are for a region or a community because of their attractiveness for tourism and trade, the greater the value of connectivity for the economy.” EESC opinion TEN/569 - Integrated EU Aviation Policy ©Shutterstock

Maintaining connectivity: “The Strategy needs to provide clear orientation on how to secure future liberalisation whilst also ensuring a level playing field. Consolidation can be promoted but only assuring a high level of reliable connectivity in all Member States.” EESC opinion TEN/581 - Aviation Package ©Shutterstock

Societal role of aviation: “Aviation provides for connectivity of regions, mobility of passengers and cargo, as well as benefits for economies and technological innovation to mitigate its effects on climate change; aviation therefore provides for economic, environmental and social sustainability.” EESC opinion TEN/581 - Aviation Package ©Shutterstock

Investments in infrastructure: “The main aim of airport expansion must be to improve connectivity on a sustainable economic basis.” EESC opinion TEN/552 - Airport capacity in the EU “The EU‑funded investments in airports produced poor value for money […] Only half of the audited airports succeeded in increasing their passenger numbers and improvements in customer service were either not measured or not evidenced.” European Court of Auditors report on EU funded airport infrastructures ©Shutterstock

Recommendations: CONNECTIVITY Defining connectivity, distinction between different types of connectivity; analysis of the specific ramifications of each type of connectivity Regulatory tools and market mechanisms must be evaluated and balanced to promote connectivity (without distorting competition) – PSOs, state aid, etc. More coordination in investments needed, both at the level of EU, Member States and at the level of all stakeholders involved ©Shutterstock

Improving regional connectivity should be one of the pillars of the implementation of the Aviation Strategy because of it provides mobility to the citizens and boosts economic growth. ©Shutterstock