Arni Gunnarsson, managing director, Air Iceland and Bart Matusewicz, VP operations & maintenance, Eurolot, have been elected to the ERA board, further strengthening the association’s expertise and reach.
Gunnarsson and Matusewicz have joined the ERA board at the start of a busy year which will have a strong focus on communicating and defending the association’s members’ concerns to Europe’s regulatory and policy decision makers.
An experienced lobbyist on behalf of Air Iceland, Gunnarsson’s has a clear understanding of the issues that face some of Europe’s more remote regional airlines. Air Iceland has to operate under harsh environmental conditions, a challenge not always recognised or understood by European regulators. Gunnarsson says that he aims to focus on: “Assessing current and new regulation with the aim of improving Europe’s regulatory frame work.”
Matusewicz has over 15 years’ experience in the travel industry and is firm in his belief that European regional airlines have a critical role to play in connecting businesses within Europe. As a board member Matusewicz plans to focus on ensuring that ERA members can access more practical help both inside the organisation and within Europe.
“I also believe the future ERA board must help regional airlines assess their business strategies and search for more profitable models as market consolidation increases and big players from the Middle East enter our market,” explains Matusewicz.
Simon McNamara, Director General ERA, adds: “The appointment of Árni Gunnarsson and Bart Matusewicz to the board increases the range and experience of an already strong, influential and effective board. I am looking forward to working with them and using their expertise to further strengthen the association.”
