Airlines slam MEPs for ‘vote to support higher costs’
Airlines claims changes introduce by the European Parliament yesterday will lead to increased costs for air passengers.
MEPs voted through the amendments to the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Basic Regulation despite opposition from industry operational experts, they claim.
Airline lobby group Airlines for Europe (A4E) said the move would increase red tape and costs, which would be passed on to passengers.
Of particular annoyance to the A4E was the European Parliament’s decision to reject the European Commission’s proposal to streamline the aircraft leasing approval process in case of unforeseen circumstances to make it easier for airlines to cope with disruptions.
"It is really disappointing that MEPs have largely ignored the expertise of the airline industry and have voted to support red tape and higher costs to passengers," said A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert.
"The amendments approved today will not improve safety standards in any way but will increase the bill paid by passengers to fund bureaucracy.
"We are doing our best to address our passengers’ needs, while MEPs are simply reject lifting unnecessary administrative burdens."
Other areas of concern for A4E include the non-transparent transfer of air navigation charges to fund EASA.
"Safety is our primary objective and we will continue to engage fully during the next stage of the legislative process.
"It is however imperative that our extensive operational experience and expertise is taken into consideration to improve safety standards and passengers are not asked to bear the costs", added Reynaert.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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