Small regional air transport 2.0 –�a way to enhance regional accessibility in Europe?

Abstract

Under pressure from low cost carriers and hub&spoke networks, most independent regional airlines that used to directly connect regions in Europe have ceased operations. Hence, many thin routes that used to be served at relatively high frequencies by small regional aircraft have disappeared, and many (remote) regions have lost air transport connectivity. Low cost carriers hardly make a good substitute for business travellers as frequencies tend to be low. A successful re-vitalization of small regional air services could therefore yield in better regional connectivity and help improving the utilization and financials of hundreds of smaller airports and airfields. In our paper, we discuss the viability of, and requirements for new and innovative regional air transport concepts. We employ air transport cost and demand data and information gained in stakeholder interviews to assess three main issues: • Current and future small aircraft technologies and resulting unit cost impacts; • Measures for the reduction of operational costs at carrier, ATM and airport level, which might help reducing small air transport operating cost; • Assessment of potential supply patterns and demand levels, as well as resulting social-economic impacts, such as on connectivity and airport financials.