What is regional aviation?

A very experienced and respected person in the aviation industry asked the question recently, “what is regional aviation?” It was a thoughtful, leading question meant to highlight some important changes that have occurred in regional aviation over the past decade.

A number of regional airlines are now operating international routes alongside their more traditional roles of flying passengers and freight to regional and remote communities. While piston aircraft are still in active and safe service, there has been heavy investment in modern turboprop and regional jet aircraft. In most instances, and particularly among RAAA members, flying to and from regional Australia matches the safety and passenger standards available on the major capital routes.