SES2+ provisional agreement disappointing; a missed opportunity for European regional airlines

The provisional agreement reached in the early hours of the morning at the EU trilogue on the Single European Sky (SES) reform aims to improve the performance, organisation and management of European airspace.

Based on ERA’s initial assessment, and subject to a detailed and thorough review, it is understood that this agreement does not go far enough to address the needs of Europe’s regional airlines, the needs that ERA has consistently advocated for since the European Commission published the recast proposal in September 2020.

Montserrat Barriga, ERA’s Director General commented; “ERA has continuously recognised the need for an ambitious and seamless Single European Sky, one that delivers for our airlines, our passengers and the environment. We are therefore disappointed that the final agreement appears to fall short of meeting these requirements. At first glance, several concessions appear to have been made which unfortunately reduces the likelihood of the substantial improvements that we have pushed for in terms of airspace capacity, operational efficiency and sustainability. It’s clear that further efforts will be required to address today’s aviation challenges effectively”.