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CAA response to the DfT’s consultation on proposals to update the regulatory framework for aviation

Direct News Source

10-Dec-2009 Commenting on the Department for Transport’s (DfT) proposals, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Chair Dame Deirdre Hutton said:

"After 30 years, it is now time for the regulatory framework surrounding the CAA to be updated. These proposals mean we will have a real focus on making life better for the passenger and helping aviation to improve its environmental performance whilst continuing to support the UK's excellent aviation safety record. We look forward to working closely with Government, industry and other stakeholders both during the consultation and afterwards in putting these proposals into practice."

Background

Consultation on proposals to update the regulatory framework for aviation The Government's proposals to improve and modernise the nearly 30-year-old legislative framework around aviation are welcomed by the CAA. The proposals establish statutory priorities for the CAA around pursuing the consumer's interests, seeking environmental improvements and securing high safety standards. This balanced set of objectives will allow the CAA to operate more effectively, and adherence to the Better Regulation principles will minimize the burden that regulation places on industry.

The DfT's proposals build on many activities already undertaken by the CAA, but give them a clear statutory basis and ensure that the CAA can focus on the public interest in aviation. The CAA welcomes the proposals to establish access for the CAA to civil sanctions, which would expand the CAA's enforcement powers and supplement the current criminal penalty regime.

We look forward to working closely with Government, industry and other stakeholders on these important issues during the consultation period.

ATOL reform

The CAA is pleased that the Government is committed to reforming the ATOL scheme to ensure that it reflects developments in the travel industry while still offering holidaymakers the protection they are entitled to. We believe it is right that anything that appears to the consumer to be a package holiday when booked is covered by ATOL and that people are clear that this is the case. We will play a full part in this consultation and would also urge industry to take this once in a generation opportunity to improve ATOL.

Review of airport economic regulation decision document

The Government has decided to give the CAA a primary duty for its economic regulation role to promote the interests of existing and future consumers, alongside a new licensing regime for airports. These changes will provide a framework for a more flexible, licence-based approach to economic regulation, enabling us to put the interests of passengers at the centre of our activity, and ensuring that our regulation is transparent and proportionate. These changes bring the CAA in line with other economic regulators and provide clarity for airlines and airport operators. Operating in accordance with this new duty will mean we need to work closely with airlines and other stakeholders to better understand different perceptions of the passenger interest, alongside maintaining close working relationships with all stakeholders.