EU Matters

LAGs restrictions removal – too much, too soon?

LAGs 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.

Calls for decisive action at European Aviation Summit

The European Aviation Summit, organised by the Belgian Civil Aviation authority as part of the Belgian EU Presidency, took place in Bruges on 26-27 October. The principal focus was on competitiveness, with air traffic and air safety, air traffic management and the environment also under discussion. the conclusions were summarised in the resulting ‘Declaration of Bruges’. Ross Falconer reports.

ACI EUROPE’s SMAG rebranded as Regional Airports’ Forum

ACI EUROPE established the Small and Medium Sized Airports Action Group (SMAG) in 2006 as a dedicated forum for European airports with less than 5 million passengers per annum. On 18 October, the 12th meeting of SMAG took place in Santiago de Compostela, hosted by Aena. Ross Falconer reports.

Regional airports: catalysts of wealth creation

The 8th ‘OPEN DAYS: European Week of Regions and Cities’ – organised by the EU Committee of the Regions and the European Commission Directorate-General for Regional Policy – took place from 4-7 October. The event is the EU’s largest forum on regional development. ACI EUROPE once again participated by organising a workshop on 6 October entitled: ‘Helping the regions out of the economic downturn: regional airports as strategic catalysts of wealth creation’.

ACI Global Training stronger than ever

2010 has seen a 50% increase in the number of ACI Global Training Hub courses offered to more than 1,600 participants worldwide, paving the way for an equally challenging year in 2011.