ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book seeks to examine the current state of European airlines – mainly, but not exclusively, those within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It examines the role air transport plays in economic development and political integration. The book looks at the factors that currently influence the efficiency of European airlines and to see how the industry has moved to meet these challenges. It examines the sustainability of the current European air transport system, however, requires looking beyond simple aggregate national income data to consider exactly where aviation fits into the fabric of the EU economic and political structure, and the specific roles it can play. The book also provides provide information about the long-term structural development of the European air transport market, and to examine some of the key challenges confronting the sector, and the various actors within it.
