ERA WELCOMES VLM AIRLINES INTO MEMBERSHIP

9/10/2008

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is delighted to welcome Belgian carrier, VLM Airlines into membership of the Association.

Established in 1993 with a scheduled non-stop service between Antwerp and London City, VLM Airlines today employs 450 people and operates a fleet of 18 Fokker 50 aircraft, primarily out of its London City hub. In 2007 the airline carried over 745,000 passengers and made a net profit of EUR 3.6 million.

VLM Airlines CEO, Johan Vanneste, says: "After six years of absence, VLM Airlines is delighted to rejoin ERA. They clearly have expertise in several important fields to offer to their members, and their lobbying power with the EU and other institutions is of great importance to all of us in these challenging times for commercial aviation".

Mike Ambrose, director general, ERA, says: “VLM’s re-entry into ERA membership at this time is an important reminder that great achievements and progress can be made by working together through collective action and a unified voice. We extend a warm welcome to Johan and all of his team.”

ENDS