Air transport plays a vital role in the European economy and for international trade. The creation of a single air transport market in the EU has created substantial benefits for consumers and improved the competitiveness of the EU air transport industry. This industry generates €120 billion in annual revenues, employs 3 million people and accounts for more than 30% of worldwide air transport. However, until recently, air transport relations with third countries did not appropriately reflect the achievements of the EU air transport market.

The EU has made substantial progress in developing a wider Common Aviation Area by 2010 - in southeast Europe: The eight southeast European partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro and the U.N. Mission in Kosovo), as well as Morocco, Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The challenges of incorporating the wider European Common Aviation Area can be defined by two major categories, namely: the environmental sustainability and the liberalisation of the market. There are also issues like economic regulation, aviation security, airport security, air traffic management, passenger protection and competition rules. Since air transport is crucial for linking people, countries and economies, the ECAA agreement provides an additional impetus to the economic and political integration of Europe.

The Air Transportation market in the SEE is bound to become one of the most dynamic markets in Europe. This sector is due to develop over the next few years, mainly because of the EU accession and market liberalisation. With privatisation being one of the key drivers for the industry growth, the interest of the investors in regional airports and airlines is continuously growing. Managing growth and developing and financing the infrastructure to accommodate the needs of the market are some of the topics that this event will address. This conference aims to meet these demands, with a structured focus on regulations, finance and technology that encompasses the most essential aspects of a constantly evolving industry.

The high calibre of industry leaders such as chiefs of airports, regulators, traditional airlines, low cost carriers, investors, leasing and financial Institutions, air cargo companies and other specialists assembled together for this conference will seek to analyse the status of the air transport market and look to pinpoint ways of consolidating and expanding the industry in a way that makes the best possible financial sense. There will also be many opportunities for delegates to interact, ask questions and build upon their business networks.

Now in its 3rd year, the EastEuro Link SEE Air Transport Conference is the key forum for industry professionals and an essential platform for ideas exchange, case studies discussions and extensive networking opportunities.

• Specific circumstances in the EU aviation legal framework and aviation society
• Implementing the EU regulations on sustainability and the impact on the environment from airports
• South-east Europe as a virgin market for investors: Privatisation possibilities
• Forecasting the regional hotspots for investment
• Airport privatization developments in the SEE Region
• Different types of airport investors and influences from various forms of ownership
• Financial instruments for airport investment in the credit crunch era
• Facing the effect of high fuel prices and environment
• Examining the role of global airline alliances for the SEE market integration
• Future system of hubs and alliances in SEE region

Who will you meet: 

• Airports
• Regulators
• Traditional Airlines
• Low Cost Carriers
• Investors
• Leasing and Financial Institutions
• Engine and aircraft manufacturers, designers and suppliers, maintenance companies
• IT service providers and e-business systems
• Industry consultants and analysts, legal advisers, service providers