Changes in regional airport landscapes will affect all parties involved and steps should be taken to cope with the new reality

Abstract

The average size of regional aircraft has been growing steadily for the past 20 years and is expected to continue as airframe manufacturers are designing even bigger regional aircraft. This trend as such is logical as new narrow-bodies are also growing in size, meaning that feeders would also have to be bigger and provide more seats. Moreover, the demographic situation in Europe is changing in the opposite direction, with an ageing population and migration moving towards bigger cities. In addition, strong investments in railway and highway infrastructure and EU state aid rules limit the future potential of regional air services. How will airlines and airports cope with this new reality, taking into account the fact that smaller aircraft are no longer being produced? The way forward might be to consolidate and to begin consultations with airlines and tourist boards as to how to maintain accessibility.