It was founded as the European Regional Airlines Association in 1980, by a small number of what were then known as commuter airlines.

[1]: 127  The association is registered in England and Wales.

[2] The European Regions Airline Association was founded as the European Regional Airlines Association in 1980, by a small number of what were then known as commuter airlines.

[1]: 127  The association is registered as a limited company in England and Wales, with an office in Brussels, Belgium.

[2] The association makes an annual regional "Airport of the Year" award, which in 2016 was given to Southampton Airport, in Hampshire in southern England.