The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and industry may combine resources to help the Middle East on the path to developing a regional network of its own.
In a thought-provoking presentation made here at the Dubai Air Show, ERA director general Mike Ambrose has highlighted reasons why he feels the Middle East is ripe for a regional airline system.
Ambrose believes that aviation liberalisation is an inevitability in this region. "It's not a question of if it will happen; it's a question of when," he says.
"We are not trying to interfere with the governments in this area, but we are willing to help out where we feel a liberalised transportation system would benefit the
local communities and the major carriers. We see this as something that would be complementary to the majors."
Ambrose believes that Emirates Airline and the Dubai government will be particularly receptive to the concept.
"It is an excellent place to start. Dubai has been a marvellous example to the other states," he says.
"As for Emirates; any organisation that supports open skies must have a sense of flexibility and adaptiveness to take new opportunities."
Source: Flight Daily News
