Content and Outputs of the cooperation

The cooperation will require validation to ensure that outputs are achieved within this timescale and that communication and joint events meet the demands of the project’s objectives.

The major outputs to be achieved in the cooperation are:

1) Sharing of expertise and experience on trans-national airport development.

2) Segmented studies (passengers, freight, general aviation, services) on key markets for associated airports and regions in North-Western Europe.

3) Focus on potential new lines or services at relevant airports.

4) Promotion of “best practices” in development of regional airports.

5) Formation of an effective and relevant network for trans-national airport development

6) Creation of a formal NWE Regional Airports Federation.

Challenges for regional airports today

In the years to come, regional airports can play a major role in resolving the airport congestion problems evident and foreseeable in Europe. The doubling of passenger traffic expected between now and 2020 will necessitate better use of regional airports. Because of their potential central role in mobility, economic and tourism development, many public authorities are eager to support regional airports at this critical time. Despite favourable perspectives, their encumbrances are many. The costs of association, security and integration with national and international air networks are high. The investment in human resources required to operate safely and successfully, as well as stimulate innovation can also appear to be prohibitive.

The NWE logic

Ongoing studies in passenger mobility, logistics, commercial transport and tourism and leisure all indicate a strong logic for a special focus on these resources within the context of the fifty million inhabitants of the NWE and their lives as consumers and as citizens. Airports have always been interregional or international by nature. Therefore, they must benefit from the reinforcement of mobility within the European Union. They must be empowered to answer the dual concerns of environmental protection and the achievement of optimum conditions for the development of freight and passenger traffic, both of which are critical to regional economic development.