On 23 March 2017, the European Economic and Social Committee together with the Committee of Regions and the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU jointly held a high-level conference on "Improving Regional Air Connectivity for Europe – a Pre-condition for Sustainable Economic Growth". While in major hub airports connectivity is usually dependant mainly on increasing capacity, further development of regional connectivity in the EU depends on a number of factors such as airport infrastructure, airline business models, regulatory and economic frameworks and geography. Conference participants attempted to address these factors and provide concrete solutions to what should be done to improve regional air connectivity in a sustainable manner. This event is part of a series of follow up activities that the EESC has been undertaking in support of the implementation of the Aviation Strategy.