The members of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) formerly recognise the obvious need for legislation affecting air transport to be constructed using the best available knowledge and experience, and are adamant that the fast track process, which has been adopted for the approval of the Accident Investigation legislation, prohibits constructive comments by the industry with an inevitably high consequential risk of flawed legislation. These concerns were incorporated into two Resolutions agreed at this morning’s AGM in Barcelona. Speaking at the AGM, ERA director general, Mike Ambrose said: “The proposed Accident Investigation legislation that was voted on this week in the European Parliament is the result of a ‘fast-track’ process that has excluded the input of expert stakeholder knowledge. This process is not only a subversion of democracy, but results in inappropriate legislation with unforeseen consequences and hidden cost burdens.”
Members acknowledged how previous European Commission White Papers on Future Air Transport Policy have incorporated a wider recognition of Europe’s transport needs when significant consultation with stakeholders has been included. However, they noted with concern the number of legislative initiatives currently underway which may significantly affect the financial viability of intra-European air transport, impacting on its ability to serve the needs of Europe’s citizens and businesses.
Mike Ambrose said: “With industry in its current weakened condition following 2-3 years of major economic downturn in Europe, priority should be given to stabilisation to encourage further investment rather than new Regulation that introduces greater uncertainty and additional costs.”
