Project:
"The future of the air transportation system: a key challenge for Europe and Italy"

The air transport sector—with over 4.2 million people employed as direct, indirect or induced labor—is both a part of economic development and one of the driving forces behind it in Europe.

On an international (as well as European) level, air traffic is currently experiencing a positive period of growth which is expected to double current levels by the year 2020. In this context, low cost airlines have taken on a very important role (330 new routes and 1400 new flights each week).

During this crucial phase, the air transport system can no longer trust its survival and development to market trends alone. In fact, a number of challenges and constraints can be seen on the horizon that must be faced on a political and supranational level:

• Implementation of the Single European Sky
• Environmental sustainability of air transport
• Multi-modality and integration of passenger and freight transport networks on a continental level
• The capacity crunch caused by saturation of airport infrastructure
• Need for improved connection with global markets

These challenges require a tremendous coordination effort, significant resources and investment, together with a sufficiently rapid decision-making process and all the political weight only a European-wide entity represents.

To maintain its leadership position in the air transport sector, Europe must plan its future utilizing a strategic, unified outlook. Therefore, it is increasingly urgent that the European Union develop a strategic plan for air transport that is a fundamental component of its strategic transport plan as a whole.

Within this context, this Study "The future of the air transportation system: a key challenge for Europe and Italy" offers a concrete analysis of the European air transport system and is aimed at identifying the key action proposals required to allow the citizens of Europe to have an air transport system that is increasingly global, efficient and competitive.

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