MEPs must support FTL proposal, says ERA

MEPs need to stand firm and vote in favour of the European Commission’ proposed changes to European flight time regulations, scheduled for Monday 30 September, according to Simon McNamara, Director General, European Regions Airline Association (ERA).

“Social and political considerations, which are being led by flight and cabin unions, and not safety issues, are aimed at persuading MEPs to vote against the motion,” advises McNamara. “While current regulations remain demonstrably safe, the conclusions from EASA, which involved a robust consultation that petitioned all stakeholders for their views on the proposal, including pilots and trade unions, scientific studies and public consultations, have produced regulatory proposals that seek to harmonise rules across Europe. ERA supports the proposed harmonised European flight and duty time limitations. Safety is, of course, paramount to ERA and its member airlines.”

McNamara concludes: “There will be an operational impact on Europe’s commercial air transport operators as the proposal cannot take into account all individual business models. However, the rejection of the FTL proposal by trade unions and representatives of flight crew under the false pretext of safety is unjustified. MEPs should not respond to manipulation and attempts at misinformation by these bodies and should support the EC proposal on Monday.”

*EASA is the EU body responsible for rule-making in areas of European aviation such as flight operations, airworthiness and licensing.