The European Regions Airline Association announced Croatia Airlines as its new airline member. Croatia Airlines adds weight to ERA’s position as the established voice of European aviation and highlights the value that airlines place in its lobbying, campaign work and networking opportunities for members.
French airline APG Airlines has also recently joined the association.
Croatia Airlines has joined the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), bringing the total number of airlines in ERA membership to 54. Starting life as Zagal (Zagreb Airlines) in 1989, the airline is the flag carrier of Croatia with headquarters in Zagreb and a fleet consisting of two Airbus 320, four Airbus 319 and six Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft. The airline connects Croatia directly with 35 airports in Europe, transporting nearly two million passengers annually.
“We are pleased to become a member of ERA, such a reputable association. I believe that Croatia Airlines, as a regional leader in South East Europe, with its 28-year long experience will contribute to the successful operation of this organisation, which promotes healthy and safe European regional aviation market. Undoubtedly, the membership in ERA will additionally improve our international reputation and open excellent opportunities to respond to the current business challenges. I look forward to the future cooperation with all ERA members in our efforts to make air transport an even more important factor of economic development and the connecting of Europe”, said Kresimir Kucko, President and CEO of Croatia Airlines.
Simon McNamara, ERA Director General, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Croatia Airlines as our most recent member. Croatia Airlines' decision to join ERA increases our leverage with Europe’s regulatory bodies and adds further substance to our expanding airline membership. ERA is and always has been at the forefront of strategic discussions on the future of the aviation industry with Europe’s regulators and, on behalf of our members, we deliver consistent and effective representation. I’m very much looking forward to working with Croatia Airlines on the many issues and challenges that affect European aviation.”
Croatia Airlines is the second airline to join ERA in the past three weeks, with APG Airlines joining the association in December. ERA is the only European trade body to include the full range of companies involved in European aviation including airlines, airports, manufacturers and suppliers, and provides its members unparalleled networking opportunities through its events and industry groups throughout the year.
APG Airlines, based at Cannes Mandelieu Airport, operates scheduled flights between Nice and Milan Bergamo and offers VIP charter flights and electronic ticketing database and payment solutions. Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, President, APG Airlines, says: “APG Airlines is a new French airline wholly owned by the APG Group, a global network of over 100 offices providing airline distribution services. Whilst APG Airlines has a slightly different focus to most airlines, we are delighted to be joining ERA in light of the activities it undertakes to support its member airlines.”
