Speaker Biograghy: Simon was appointed Director General on 1 January 2013. He is responsible to ERA’s board for the delivery and implementation of ERA’s work in the field of policy, events and communications. Under his leadership ERA is highlighting the aviation sector’s vital contribution to Europe’s future economic prosperity, particularly in the regions of Europe. Simon travels extensively within Europe, meeting with policy-making bodies such as EASA and the European Parliament and Council. He is a sought-after speaker at industry events, and provides comment and analysis on market issues across a range of international media. A graduate of City University, London, Simon also holds an MSc from Cranfield University in the UK. His career in aviation spans nearly 20 years: before joining ERA in 1999, he held positions at the Flight Data Company and the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations.


Day 2 - 11 March
Session: Airport Cities & Transport Connections

15:35 - 16:05 - The importance of regional air routes to European connectivity
Synopsis: The presentation will cover the role that regional air routes play in connecting Europe and what they contribute to connectivity. It will discuss the importance of access to hub airports and the challenge posed by the long-term lack of airport capacity in Europe and what needs to be done to address this.

Audience will learn:

• What regional airlines offer Europe
• Importance of regional connections