ERA WELCOMES SUPPORT FROM ABERTIS FOUNDATION

28/09/2006

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is delighted to announce the launch of a pioneering funding project with the Barcelona-based ‘abertis foundation’.

The abertis charitable foundation, which supports the study of the repercussions of infrastructure on the environment, economy and demographics, has generously offered to provide ERA with grant aid to support the association’s work in the field of anti-/de-icing.

abertis’ decision to support ERA reflects the foundation’s understanding that ERA is carrying out vital work on anti-/de-icing issues.

Mike Ambrose, director general of ERA, says: “Work in the field of anti-/de-icing is crucial to aviation safety and the environment but makes heavy demands on our resources at the ERA Directorate. Airlines and airports share common interests in the de-icing and anti-icing of aircraft but in recent years ERA has become increasingly concerned that the use of thickened fluids is causing unacceptable safety risks. The abertis foundation has recognised that airlines and airports have to work together and with Europe’s safety regulators if these safety hazards are to be overcome. The foundation’s grant provides real support for a real problem and is very much appreciated by ERA.”

The abertis foundation has never before provided grant aid to the intra-European airline sector.

Barcelona-based ‘abertis’ is a private transport and communications infrastructure management company. The ‘abertis airports’ company manages UK-based TBI, which operates eight international airports worldwide (including ERA members Cardiff International, London Luton, Stockholm Skavsta and Belfast International) as owner or under concession agreements.

ENDS