Aèroports de Lyon has signed a charter for economic and social co-operation between Lyon-Saint Exupèry Airport and its surrounding region.

Philippe Bernand, CEO of Aèroports de Lyon and presidents of the neighbouring district communities have signed the charter, which lays out procedures and co-operative strategies for the area surrounding Lyon-Saint Exupèry Airport.

Aèroports de Lyon said it wants "to promote the economic benefits in the area accommodating its airport" .

The charter between the airport and the surrounding region is the first of its kind in Europe.

The airport operator said: "The charter for economic and social co-operation both formalises and breathes new life into operational activities undertaken as regards economic and social co-operation.

"By taking this step, the signatories aim to make the exchange of information between them easier, create new synergy and signal a joint ambition for the economic and social development of the area."

 

Some initiatives have already been launched, such as integrating the airport into future studies of public transport.

 

Other projects include the removal of obstacles standing in the way of recruiting local residents to the airport, such as facilitating mobility, and offering English language workshops for them to acquire the basics to meet the requirements of businesses on the site and airport customers.

Aèroports de Lyon said it would finance the first year of these workshops at a cost of €8,000, enabling around one hundred people to benefit from them.

Meanwhile Aèroports de Lyon and the region wants to increase its profile to potential investors and provide more information on the availability of land and property in the area.

Starting in 2013, an annual forum will be held with elected officials and economic development stakeholders, users and investors, to enhance the potential for attracting new businesses to the area.