1. 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

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

3. 6 pillars of the strategy
(proposed by the EESC in 2015)
Safety
Connectivity
Competitiveness
Sustainability
Operational excellence
Global competition

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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