The EUROPLANE project shall build a network among European regional authorities, which are responsible for regional airports or which are involved in its ownership. By inter-regional co-operation of the regional authority’s representatives including the strong integration of relevant airport and airline managers the existing future challenges in airport development, its functions and quality in connection with the regional socio-economic development can be jointly approached, experiences exchanged and solutions developed. Central objectives / Objectifs principaux - To strengthen the spatial, economic and social development and cohesion of EU regions (with a focus on peripheral ones) by improving the sustainable existence, functionality of, and accessibility to regional airports. - To analyse the current constraints and challenges as well as the future development of the European Region’s air transport industry - To highlight the socio-economic impact of regional airports to peripheral regions, - To compare airport efficiencies to develop ways for the improvement of airport operations, - To elaborate regional strategies for the development of airport business potential and market niches, - To identify actual passenger market potentials at the involved airports, - To improve the co-operation between regional authorities, airports and airlines for joint and mutual exchange of experiences and best practise.