Categories
Author Articles Archive
-
December, 2011EU and Russia – is liberalisation finally within reach?
An EU-Russia Action Plan proposed in 2006 promised cooperation on safety, security and training, a generic commitment to liberalisation of market access as well as access for Russian aviation to EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and EIB (European Investment Bank) financing facilities. However, some unresolved issues, including the EU designation clause and Siberian over-flight issue, have prevented its implementation.The recent EU-Russia Aviation Summit was the opportunity to renew the motivation for closer relations. Robert O’Meara & Ross Falconer report.
-
December, 2011Prelude to the Airport Package: What’s in the box?
Early this year, EC Vice President in charge of Transport Siim Kallas, announced that he would release an ‘Airport Package’ of regulatory measures concerning airports in the EU. ACI EUROPE has been tracking this development with keen interest since the announcement and all is due to be revealed before the end of the year. Robert O’Meara reports.
-
April, 2011Airports hard at work on reducing their CO2 emissions
Airport Carbon Accreditation – the carbon management standard for airports – goes from strength to strength, with a number of significant accreditations since the start of the year. A diverse range of airports either succeeded in becoming part of the Airport Carbon Accreditation family, or upgrading their accreditation level. Robert O’Meara reports.
-
January, 2011LAGs restrictions removal – too much, too soon?
As currently mandated by the European Union, the present Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) restrictions in place since summer 2006 are due to be lifted in two distinct phases – Phase 1 is from April 2011 and is relevant to passengers originating in non-EU countries travelling to the EU and beyond, Phase 2 is from April 2013 and will be relevant to all passengers travelling within the EU. However, these ambitious plans still have much progress to make, if they are to become a genuine reality on the ground. Robert O’Meara reports.
-
January, 2011EC Vice President Kallas commends Airport Carbon Accreditation
18 months ago, Airport Carbon Accreditation was launched at the ACI EUROPE 2009 Annual Congress in Manchester. In the face of challenging times, the programme has nevertheless successfully established itself as the standard for carbon management at airports. Robert O’Meara reports.
-
January, 2011Results of the World Business Partner Programme 2010
This past year saw the effective re-birth of the World Business Partner (WBP) programme, with the move from central to regional management. Since January 2010, European members of the WBP programme are being coordinated by ACI EUROPE in Brussels. The main objective was to give closer attention to the WBP members of the European continent and re-establish more personal contact with each of them in order to better serve their needs. In reviewing the past 12 months, the results of this change seem quite promising. Report by yulia plyusnina and robert o’meara.
-
October, 2010European airport trends 2010: encouraging signs as over 200 airports report growth in July
This time last year analysis of airport traffic at European airports revealed that just over 50 airports were reporting growth. This year, analysis of July traffic data for over 250 airports across Europe by anna.aero has revealed that more than 200 are reporting an increase in passenger numbers over last July. Compared with last July passenger numbers are up around 6%, though this varies significantly by country. For example Turkish airport traffic is up almost 22% while according to government statistics air travel demand from UK airports is still down, though by less than 1%. Possibly worst affected as a country is Ireland where traffic is down almost 8%, primarily as a result of Ryanair’s decision to reduce capacity significantly in response to the Irish government’s imposition of a €10 travel tax in May 2009.
-
October, 2010European airports collective CO2 reduction adding up!
Launched 15 months ago, Airport Carbon Accreditation has steadily been gaining traction with European airports, despite difficult trading conditions. Robert O’Meara reports on the update at the 20th ACI EUROPE Annual Congress and the recent 5th Aviation and Environment Summit, organised by ATAG.
-
March, 2010All Change at the European Commission
After a delayed transition, the 2004-2009 European Commission has now handed over to the newcomers: the 2009-2014 European Commission. This new Commission will also benefit from the recently ratified and adopted Lisbon Treaty, which is set to streamline decision-making within the institutions and endow the European Parliament with some new powers. Robert O’Meara reports.
-
October, 2009A new 5 year term at the European Union
Two of the primary EU institutions operate on 5 year terms which expire this year – the European Commission and the European Parliament. So how does this year’s change in Brussels affect the outlook for air transport in Europe? Robert O’Meara reports. Additional reporting by Federico Bonaudi.
-
June, 2009ACI EUROPE pushes for crisis relief at European and national levels
On 13 March 2009, ACI EUROPE unveiled a comprehensive crisis strategy focused on five key crisis relief measures aimed at helping the aviation sector weather its worst ever crisis.
-
October, 2008Aviation and the EU ETs – Where it’s at and the next steps
As part of its Climate Change strategy, the EU is now firmly committed to the greening of transport. Aviation is at the forefront, with the legislative process for its inclusion in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) nearing completion. Yet, uncertainty and risks remain high for the industry, as political considerations and untested proposals seem to dominate. Report by Etienne Van Zuijlen and Robert O’Meara.
-
October, 2008SMAG engaging with the regions on a European scale
The ‘Open Days’ event organised by the EU Committee of the Regions (the EU advisory body representing regional and local authorities) is an invaluable annual three-day event where regions and cities come together from all over Europe to exchange and debate on policies for regional integration and strategies aimed at creating growth and jobs. For the second time, ACI EUROPE Small and Medium Size Airports Action Group participated in the event, joining forces with ARC (Airport Regions Conference) for a roundtable workshop on airports and the environment. Robert O’Meara reports.
-
June, 2008SMAG’s first conference kicks off in Porto
ACI EUROPE’s inaugural SMAG conference, dedicated to Small and Medium Sized Airports, took place in Porto on 11 May in association with the Routes (Europe) conference, which took place on 12 and 13 May. report by robert o’meara.
From the latest issue
