UK and US aviation regulators strengthen cooperation in private aircraft ramp checks

The UK Civil Aviation Authority and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have announced a significant step forward in enhancing aviation safety and regulatory oversight with a strategic partnership on inspections of N-registered aircraft operating in the United Kingdom.

Between 31 August and 2 September, teams from the UK and US regulators carried out a series of ‘ramp checks’ across a variety of the small airfields and large airports - including Farnborough and Luton –from where N-registered aircraft regularly operate. 

Ramp checks are inspections conducted in areas where aircraft arrive or depart, ensuring pilots and aircraft comply with airworthiness, operational, and flight crew licensing requirements.

The ramp checks focused on the 890 N-registered general aviation light aircraft and business jets based in the UK. These aircraft are certificated by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and their pilots, owners and operators must follow all relevant rules and regulations regardless of where they fly.

During the inspections, FAA agents accompanied by UK CAA regulatory and enforcement officers, conducted checks on N registered aircraft. Whilst FAA personnel inspected FAA-issued pilot and aircraft documents, CAA personnel  reviewed compliance with equipment regulations, crew licence requirements and operating parameters. UK CAA personnel, observed by FAA partners, mirrored these inspections on G-registered aircraft, finding commonalities of approach and utilising opportunities for mutual learning.

Midlands set to drive the aerospace revolution in UK cities......

UK Civil Aviation Authority hosts a roundtable with companies across the Midlands aerospace supply chain.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has met with industry across the West Midlands to recognise the vital and central role the region will play in the coming aviation revolution. 

CAA Chair, Sir Stephen Hillier, praised the regional aerospace alliance for its work to support safe drone use in urban areas in the UK. This work will enable massive transformations to how goods and services are delivered across the country.  

Since September last year, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been funding the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund which has supported the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and Coventry City Council’s work on the Drone Ready Cities project. This prepares local authorities for the expansion of local drone use in the UK.  

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Aviation is changing like never before and the West Midlands can lean on a rich aerospace history to be at the forefront of this new revolution.   

Being here today in Wolverhampton and listening to the industry and innovators that will play a key role in transforming the skies above us was an immensely valuable opportunity.”  

Major changes are already being seen and Sir Stephen highlighted the recent airspace approval for a trial for transporting blood samples from Guy’s Hospital across London via drone. This trial will help build an understanding of how drones can be used in urban centres.  

UK's aviation regulator sets out plan to enable routine drone flights beyond line of sight

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a roadmap for a future in which drones carry out tasks like transporting specialised chemotherapy drugs to hospitals, mail to remote locations and even carrying defibrillators to emergencies.

The plan focuses on two critical milestones: demonstrating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) activities by the end of this year and establishing routine BVLOS operations by 2027.

However, integrating these operations into the UK's airspace presents many complex challenges. The Civil Aviation Authority is working with industry to fully understand these challenges. The new document will evolve with industry ensuring that the sector is a constant part of the journey to enable UK BVLOS operations.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Programme Director for Future of Flight at the Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Drones have the potential to transform our lives but to make that future possible we need to lay strong foundations for the future. 

Our delivery model shows how we will protect the public while enabling this exciting new technology.

It is vital that we create the right rules and regulations that current and new airspace users are all happy with while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s delivery model is a key part of guaranteeing that BVLOS operations in the UK are run safely. This includes checking safety features in drone technology, comprehensive pilot training, and enabling the sharing of the UK’s airspace safely.

BVLOS operations are crucial for expanding the capabilities of drones and unlocking innovation. The launch of this delivery model marks a major step forward. The regulator and industry are working ever more closely to maximise the economic and social benefits of the use of drones in the UK to bring innovation and growth in the sector.

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The report can be found here  V1 caa.co.uk

UK's CAA reminds drone users of new airspace notification system

UK Civil Aviation Authority reminds drone users about its new airspace notification system for making notifications of flight and drone activities.

Nearly one thousand remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) activities, such as drone swarm displays, have either been notified to airspace users, received permission or provided with exemption requests by the UK Civil Aviation Authority following the roll out of new technology.
The aerospace regulator’s system for airspace notifications - the Airspace Co-ordination Obstacle Management Service (or ACOMS for short) - has been designed to provide simpler, faster and more accurate processing.
Since being rolled-out to drone users in June this year, the regulator has processed more than 900 remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) activities on ACOMS from 351 different sponsors.
The system increases the capacity of active requests, helping support the growing number of drone users at a time when demand for access to UK airspace is increasing.

UK's CAA sets up Vertiport Stakeholder Working Group

The Future of Flight Action Plan aims to enable the demonstration of piloted eVTOL flights in the UK in 2026 as a first step to scaled operations and a sustainable industry.

To achieve initial, scaled, and sustainable operations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) has determined that a number of Implementing Rules (IR), Approved Means of Compliance (AMC), Guidance Material (GM) and other documents need to be considered to enable safe operations VTOL Capable Aircraft (VCA).

To assist with this, a working group comprised of stakeholders and representatives from industry is being established to support the CAA policy teams and other subject matter experts tasked with developing policy and regulation pertaining to vertiports established at a location other than an existing licensed or certificated aerodrome. The project comprises 4 key elements when developing this new style of aerodrome including vertiport design, obstacle limitation surfaces/ volume, visual aids and rescue and firefighting services (RFFS). Other areas of discussions will include vertiport licencing, Safety Management Systems (SMS) and emergency planning/emergency orders.

As part of this process, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is committed to ensuring that needs and expectations of stakeholders are considered with the development and implementation of bespoke vertiports, maintaining a high standard of safety while continuing to promote efficiency and innovation in aerodrome development and operations for VTOL Capable Aircraft (VCAs).

To do this, we are establishing the Vertiport Stakeholder Working Group (VSWG) to facilitate engagement, discussion, and collaboration between the CAA and industry stakeholders.

The CAA invites stakeholders to register their interest in one (or more) areas:

VCA Manufacturers/OEMs,

Future VCA operators or other AOC holders, professional pilots, or other service providers and professional associations,

Vertiport designers, operators, or other aviation professionals with relevant expertise in aerodrome design, operations, and regulation,

Safety experts or other aviation professionals with relevant expertise in aerodrome operations and regulations (including RFFS),

Any stakeholder with a legitimate interest in vertiport design and operations, who would like to participate in this rulemaking programme.

Plans to upgrade airspace unveiled by UK regulator

Plans to modernise the UK’s airspace by 2040 has taken a significant step forward, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority outlining how the motorway of the skies could change over the next seven years.

The aviation and aerospace regulator has published its ‘Airspace Modernisation Strategy, Part 3: Deployment Plan’, a significant milestone in the once-in-a-generation work to modernise the UK’s airspace.

Publication of the plan signifies a crucial step forward with the UK Civil Aviation Authority setting out the key activities and milestones the industry and regulator will need to deliver together, alongside the regulatory frameworks it will set.

This includes projects looking at how new airspace users, such as drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, can fly safely in the same airspace as other aircraft.

It also includes work looking at the services needed to support all airspace users, and the technology that needs to be developed for aircraft to detect and avoid each other.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:   "Overhauling our airspace is a long-term and complex endeavour, requiring concerted efforts and collaboration from the aerospace industry. It is key to enabling new and innovative technologies to thrive in UK aerospace.

Our delivery plan sets out the main priorities for the coming years, providing a framework for co-ordinated action and accountability.

It not only outlines our strategic priorities, but also is a blueprint for industry to engage and contribute towards the vision of a modernised airspace for the UK."

UK's Civil Aviation Authority consults on Gatwick Airport Limited’s commitments

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published an initial assessment of proposals from Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) to extend the set of ‘commitments’ it makes to airlines by a period of four years.

This consultation considers the views of stakeholders following an industry consultation last summer (CAP2554), develops a framework for assessing whether GAL’s proposals to extend the commitments are in the interests of consumers and sets out our initial assessment using this framework.

Gatwick Airport Limited operates under a set of ‘commitments’, a legally binding contractual undertaking between GAL and its airline customers. The current set of commitments were introduced on 1 April 2021 and run until 31 March 2025.  This commitments framework is underpinned by an economic licence granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under the Civil Aviation Act 2012.

GAL has proposed an extension of these commitments from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2029. GAL’s proposal includes:

a revised price cap for the extension period – two years of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) -1% followed by two years of CPI + 0%;

a process to review the current service quality targets and rebates; 

a continuation of the current commitment which requires GAL to invest a minimum of £120 million (in 2018/19 prices) per year, on average, over a ten-year period (from 2019/20 to 2028/29).

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is now seeking views from the industry on this framework and its initial assessment, which will inform the way forward for the economic regulation of GAL.

The consultation period will be open until 20th September and more details can be found on the CAA's website. caa.co.uk

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Jet2.com recognised by CAA for punctuality performance in Q4 of 2023

Jet2 has been recognised for its punctuality performance by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), after operating 77 percent of its flights on time between October and December 2023 which makes it the best of the UK’s major airlines. 

The latest Aviation Trends report from the CAA reviewed the on-time performance of both UK airlines and international airlines in the fourth quarter of 2023. It found that 67 percent of flights were on time overall. 

Jet2 surpassed the industry average, operating 77 percent of its flights on time – arriving or departing the gate within 15 minutes of their scheduled time - between October and December 2023. This achievement makes Jet2 the best of the UK’s major airlines for punctuality performance during that period.  

The full Aviation Trends report by the CAA for quarter four of 2023 can be found here -  57 (caa.co.uk)  

Jet2 is repeatedly recognised for its continued commitment to delivering industry-leading customer service, seeing the airline receive a high number of prestigious accolades, in recognition of the way it looks after customers. Earlier this year, the airline was ranked as amongst the very best companies in the UK for delivering outstanding customer service by the latest Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) and was also the only UK airline to be named a Which? Recommended Provider. 

UK's Civil Aviation Authority proposes streamlined licensing system for General Aviation Pilots

General Aviation Pilots will soon find it easier to gain and maintain a licence when proposals put forward by the UK Civil Aviation Authority are implemented.

The regulator is working to simplify the licensing process for the general aviation community as part of its General Aviation Pilot Licensing and Training Simplification project.

The proposals set out in a consultation published today by the UK Civil Aviation Authority will see changes to a wide range of issues.

These include consolidating the number of licences on offer, reducing the number of examinations for the gaining of licences and changes to the class rating structure including requirements for maintenance of competence.

General Aviation Pilot Licensing could be simplified and rationalised under new proposals.

The proposals cover the potential changes to pilot licensing for aeroplanes, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.

Follows extensive work by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to consider the general aviation community views on licensing.

Proposals cover licensing for aeroplanes and microlights, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.

Reform of the system was a high priority for the general aviation community when asked by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and this signals a major step closer to delivering on those wishes.

Michael Macdonald, Head of General Aviation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“To all pilots, the licence they hold is incredibly important. We’re looking to simplify the system to make it easier for new pilots to choose their path in aviation, and for existing pilots to maintain and upgrade their licences, all whilst maintaining the UK’s world-class level of safety.

“Experts from the community have been involved throughout the development process of these measures, which we feel will really benefit those looking to gain licences in the UK.”

The consultation will be open for 10 weeks and will close on the 22 May 2024

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Standards for helicopter landing areas at hospitals report released by CAA

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has published a new report designed to help health authorities, hospitals and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operators adhere to design standards for helicopter landing areas at hospitals. 

Air Ambulance Helicopters form an essential part of the UK’s pre-hospital response to patients suffering life-threatening injuries or illnesses. It is estimated that every day about 70 patients are treated using helicopters operating in the air ambulance role to helicopter landing sites (HLSs) located at hospitals in the United Kingdom. 

These HLSs are routinely provided at hospitals for the transfer of critically ill patients by air ambulance helicopters and by helicopters operating in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) role with facilities varying in complexity from a purpose-built structure on a rooftop above the emergency department (ED), with integral aeronautical lighting and fire-fighting systems, to an occasional use recreational / sports field remotely located from the ED perhaps only equipped with an “H” and a windsock present.

The primary purpose of this latest report is to promulgate in detail the design requirements and

range of options for new heliports located at hospitals in the United Kingdom that can also be applied for the refurbishment of existing helicopter landing sites. In all cases heliport design guidance is based on the international standards and recommended practices in ICAO Annex 14 Volume II with the supporting Document 9261 “Heliport Manual”. However, given the pivotal role of an HLS at a hospital for supporting the (often complex) clinical needs of the patient, it is equally important that the design of the heliport places, at its heart, the needs of the patient who is often critically ill. Consequently, the design of a heliport needs to ensure that it is both ‘safe and friendly’ for helicopter operations, and, given the clinical needs of the patient, that its proximity to the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) affords rapid patient transfer and avoids the complication of a secondary transfer by land ambulance. Patient transfer from the HLS to the ED should be expedited in a manner that upholds both the dignity and security of the patient and the safety and security of staff tasked to complete the transfer of the patient to ED, potentially in all weather conditions.

Standards for helicopter landing areas (caa.co.uk)

The report addresses the design requirements and options for new heliports located at hospitals in the United Kingdom. The requirements relate to new build facilities or to the refurbishment of landing sites at both existing and new hospitals. As well as setting out in detail the design requirements for hospital heliports, this CAP also provides guidance on their operation and management.

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Sir Stephen Hillier reappointed as Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority.

The Secretary of State for Transport has re-appointed Sir Stephen Hillier as Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority. Sir Stephen’s term will be extended for four more years until 31 July 2028.

Since August 2020, Sir Stephen has played a key role in ensuring that the regulator meets its core remit of protecting the safety, security, and the consumer interests of those that fly. 

He has also steered the organisation through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s departure from the European Aviation Safety Agency, developing the Civil Aviation Authority’s role in relation to aviation sustainability and future flight technologies, and becoming the UK’s space regulator. 

He also led the regulator’s engagement with the Government public body review of the Civil Aviation Authority in 2023.

Sir Stephen has also championed greater diversity and engagement across the aerospace sector, including being made the Patron of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter in 2023.

Over the next four years, Sir Stephen will ensure that the organisation continues to focus on the regulatory role set for it by Parliament to protect passengers and its wider role in enabling the aerospace sector to continue to develop, helping the UK retain its position as a world leader in aerospace.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  "I am delighted to continue serving as the Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This is a world-leading regulator, and its people are at the core of making the Civil Aviation Authority forward-looking, efficient, and effective.

I look forward to continuing our work focusing on safety, security, and consumer interests as we protect people and enable the development of aerospace.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:  “The past four years were an extremely challenging time for aviation, with Sir Stephen’s knowledge and experience proving invaluable.

“As we transition to an era of new technologies, innovation and decarbonisation, I’m confident the Civil Aviation Authority will continue to perform well under his leadership.”

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Air travel organisers’ licencing scheme enforcement powers

The Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, Baroness Vere of Norbiton wrote to the Civil Aviation Authority about the enforcement options available for maintaining compliance with the ATOL scheme.

This letter to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirms the Department for Transport’s intention to consider broadening the enforcement toolkit for the air travel organisers’ licencing (ATOL) scheme, including the introduction of civil sanction powers.

The intention to review the CAA’s powers for the ATOL scheme was also confirmed in the Department for Business and Trade’s announcement on reforms to package holidays.

Letter below....

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is to launch an independent review into the technical issue NATS faced on Monday 28 August

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is to launch an independent review into the technical issue NATS faced on Monday 28 August that saw hundreds of flights delayed and cancelled.   

NATS’ preliminary technical report sets out the causes of the issue and actions taken to rectify and mitigate the effects. It found the incident occurred due to an anomaly that forced the system to stop processing flight plans. The system was closed to maintain safety and required manual operation to continue service.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority will now independently review the wider issues around the system failure and how NATS responded to the incident.

If there is evidence that suggests NATS may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority will take any appropriate steps.

The review will also set out lessons to be learned for the future for the benefit of consumers and the industry.

Rob Bishton, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Millions of passengers every year rely on air traffic control to work smoothly and safely.  The initial report by NATS raises several important questions and as the regulator we want to make sure these are answered for passengers and industry.

If there is evidence to suggest NATS may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations we will consider whether any further action is necessary.”

The scale of the disruption that followed was significant and meant some passengers faced long delays, in some cases, waiting several days for alternative flights. 

Airlines worked around the clock, putting on extra capacity to resolve the issue. Airlines have obligations to look after their passengers in these circumstances and bring them home as soon as possible. 

NATS shared its preliminary technical report on the failure with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on Monday (4 September) and the regulator sent it to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper and Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere outlining its next steps.

Details of the independent review will be published by the end of September 2023.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "I welcome NATS’ preliminary report outlining the facts of last week’s air traffic control technical failure – particularly the confirmation that there were no safety issues as a result.

I also welcome the announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of an independent review to dig deeper into this event and understand whether there are any further steps to be taken to improve the resilience of the air traffic control system.

Thousands of passengers faced disruption as a result of the failure, with over 1500 flights cancelled and hundreds more delayed. I once again want to echo NATS’s apology to those who were caught up in it, with a technical fix now identified to ensure that such an incident does not recur."

Independent review of Civil Aviation Authority sets out how "highly effective regulator" can continue to improve

CAA is still held in the highest regard but needs to improve communication in the decision-making process and foster tighter working relationships within the sector.

The UK’s aviation regulator has been reconfirmed as a highly effective regulator following an independent review that considered its performance, accountability and leadership.

As part of a government-wide review into public bodies, an independent review led by Jeremy Newman, Chair of the Workforce Development Trust, looked at how the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) operates across 4 key areas. As part of its findings, it noted an overwhelming response across the sector that the regulator’s impact was positively highlighted, both in the UK and internationally, as it continued to be held by its international contemporaries in the highest regard.

The review considered how accountable the CAA is to the industry it regulates, its governance and relationship with the Department for Transport (DfT), the efficiency of its services and how effective it is in regulating airlines and airports.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said:   "The CAA is an effective and well-respected regulator for the UK aviation industry, balancing the interests of industry and consumers.

I am pleased that this independent review recognises the CAA’s status as a world-leading regulator and it is only right that it strives to be even better to deliver for all its users in the future."

Today’s review proposes greater clarity to the CAA’s roles, responsibilities, strategic priorities and relationship with DfT. These changes will enable the CAA to better meet the challenges of the future, including helping the aviation and aerospace sector to introduce new technology safely and quickly.

When governing an ever-changing industry as important as the UK aviation sector, the CAA must be transparent and accountable to those it governs. That’s why today’s review highlights a renewed need to communicate its decision-making process and foster a tighter working relationship with industry partners and the general aviation community.

Jeremy Newman, current Chair of The Workforce Development Trust, said:  "It was a privilege to lead the review of the CAA. It is clear that the CAA is held in high regard by other aviation regulators and the wider aviation sector.  The aviation and aerospace sector has new opportunities from technology as well as environmental challenges and it will benefit from having a regulator that is able to adapt to these opportunities and challenges.

I am confident that the CAA is well-placed to continue its world-leading role and I hope that implementing the recommendations in this review will make a positive contribution to ensuring this is the case."

Large swathes of air space over London to close during U.S. President Biden's visit.

 

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is issuing notices to pilots warning them not to fly under 3,500 feet over large swathes of the skies over London during a state visit by the U.S. President.

As part of an overarching security operation, the Secretary of State for Transport has ordered the change in flying regulations to keep the skies safe and free of traffic at lower altitudes.  

The majority of restrictions apply to the air space over London Stansted, central London and a corridor between London and Windsor. 

Between 1900 and 2300 on 09 July and 1200 and 1600 on 10 July no aircraft is to fly under 3,500 feet in a wide area over Stansted (area A on the map).

During the same time, an air corridor between Stansted and Central London will be restricted air space under 2,500 feet. (area B on the map) 

A wider area of sky over Central London will be restricted under 2,500 feet between 1900 on 9 July and 1600 July. (area C on the map)

A corridor between London and Windsor between 0900 and 1600 on 10 July will also be out of bounds to all aircraft under 2,500 feet. (area D on the map)

These restrictions do not apply to certain official aircraft, including police, coastguard, air ambulance and The Kings flight helicopters.  There are also exceptions for planes that are approaching or taking off from the key London airports, as long as they are being controlled by air traffic controllers or the RAF. 

However,  the restrictions do apply to all other types of aircraft, including unmanned aircraft (drones) balloons, kites, parachutes or parascending parachutes or paramotors. 

The full briefing sheets have been issued in the normal way by the CAA and NATS and is available on their website. 

Skywise 

 

UK looks at new plans to boost protections for airline passengers

Stronger enforcement powers for aviation regulators will lead to improved standards for all passengers on flights operating to and from the UK.

Airline passengers will be better protected when journeys go wrong under new proposals published by the government today - 27th June 2023, strengthening the aviation sector and supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by increasing passenger confidence.

Under the plans, stronger enforcement powers for the regulator and access to faster and cheaper dispute resolution will lead to improved standards for all passengers on flights operating to and from the UK, increasing passenger confidence and boosting the aviation sector.

Following concerning reports of disabled passengers having their wheelchairs damaged, the measures will mean they can get full and fair compensation for damage caused on UK domestic flights. Airlines will also be encouraged to waive this cap for international flights.

At present airlines are not required to cover the full cost of repairs, even if the equipment is damaged while in their care.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:  "I recognise the work airlines do around the clock in order to provide a good service to customers and today’s proposals set out how we can go even further for travellers.

I’ve heard really concerning examples of passengers’ wheelchairs getting damaged and being left without full and fair compensation. It’s important that everyone can travel with confidence.

A thriving aviation sector is good for passengers, good for the industry and will grow the economy."

Ground handlers will also be offered new training by the Department for Transport to make sure mobility equipment is being handled properly, aiming to avoid these incidents altogether.

Paul Smith, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  "We welcome the announcement from government today to enhance the rights of air passengers, alongside strengthening the enforcement powers of the Civil Aviation Authority and making ADR mandatory.

We have long called for a stronger enforcement toolkit to bring us in line with other regulators. The plans announced today achieve this and will help ensure that the Civil Aviation Authority is better equipped to hold industry to account in meeting their obligations to passengers.

Everyone should have equal access to air travel and the planned changes to compensation when mobility equipment is damaged will help to improve this. We encourage UK airlines to adopt the proposals immediately for all flights, not just domestic flights, in advance of legislation being introduced.

In addition, ADR provides an essential service to allow passengers to escalate a complaint. Many airlines already provide this option to passengers on a voluntary basis, but some do not. We encourage all airlines that don’t already to introduce this immediately."

Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.

Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.

The UK's Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport -Baroness Vere of Norbiton has made the following Ministerial Statement on Monday 30th January 2023.

The Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) refresh, published on 23 January 2023, sets out, through 9 elements, the ways and means of modernising airspace, focussing on the period until the end of 2040.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must report to the Secretary of State annually on the delivery of the AMS, through an annual progress report. This report details the progress made by industry, as well as work the CAA have conducted against each of the AMS’s elements. For 2022, the progress report reports on the previous AMS’s 15 initiatives.

In total, 6 of the 15 initiatives are assessed as ‘requiring attention’, 2 are on track, 1 has been implemented and 6 initiatives have been assessed as having ‘major issues’. The department continues to work with the CAA to ensure greater progress is made in implementing the airspace modernisation programme. Ministers are giving the programme the urgent attention it requires and are committed to delivery of the AMS.

Civil Aviation Authority annual progress report

Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.

The UK's Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport -Baroness Vere of Norbiton has made the following Ministerial Statement on Monday 30th January 2023.

The Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) refresh, published on 23 January 2023, sets out, through 9 elements, the ways and means of modernising airspace, focussing on the period until the end of 2040.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must report to the Secretary of State annually on the delivery of the AMS, through an annual progress report. This report details the progress made by industry, as well as work the CAA have conducted against each of the AMS’s elements. For 2022, the progress report reports on the previous AMS’s 15 initiatives.

In total, 6 of the 15 initiatives are assessed as ‘requiring attention’, 2 are on track, 1 has been implemented and 6 initiatives have been assessed as having ‘major issues’. The department continues to work with the CAA to ensure greater progress is made in implementing the airspace modernisation programme. Ministers are giving the programme the urgent attention it requires and are committed to delivery of the AMS.

Flybe collapses.....again......What to do if you were due to fly with flybe

The UK regional airline flybe has cancelled all flights to and from the UK after calling in the administrators and ceased trading.

On its website the airline posted the following message, asking passengers not to travel to the airport and advising  "Flybe has now ceased trading and all flights from and to the UK operated by Flybe have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled."

If you are a passenger affected by this event, please read the advice below.

If you are due to fly with Flybe today or in the future, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Please note that Flybe is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers.

If you have a Flybe booking sold by an intermediary (i.e. not directly with Flybe) that includes travel on a Flybe flight, please contact the relevant airline or booking / travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans as the intermediary may be able to support you with alternative arrangements and provide further advice regarding any claim you may need to make.

Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information www.caa.co.uk/news

If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Administrators at:

flybecustomers@interpathadvisory.com

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises the following on its site:

If you booked directly with Flybe and paid by credit card you may be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and should contact your card issuer for further information. Similarly, if you paid by debit or charge card you should contact your card issuer for advice as you may be able to make a claim under their chargeback rules.

If you purchased travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure, known as SAFI, you should contact your insurer. If you did not book directly with Flybe and purchased your tickets through a third party, you should contact your booking or travel agent in the first instance.

Negative response letter

Passengers who booked directly with the company via either a credit, charge or debit card may alternatively be able to make a claim through their card provider. Some card providers will ask for a negative response letter confirming the position. Passengers may also be able to make a claim against their travel insurer.

The negative response letter will be published shortly.

Direct booking with an airline

If you paid the airline directly by credit card you might be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You should check with your card issuer for further advice. You may have similar cover if you paid by Visa debit card and should check with your bank.

Booked through an Airline Ticket Agent

If you booked your ticket through an airline ticket agent you should speak to the agent in the first instance; they may have provided travel insurance that includes Scheduled Airline Failure cover.

Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)

Some airlines and airline ticket agents will offer customers either a specific Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) policy or include similar protection within a broader travel insurance product. The type of protection provided may vary depending on the type of policy taken out. A policy may simply cover the cost of the original tickets purchased or any unused portion, or the additional cost of purchasing new flights, such as new tickets for travel back to the UK.

Paul Smith, Consumer Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

"It is always sad to see an airline enter administration and we know that Flybe's decision to stop trading will be distressing for all of its employees and customers.

We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled. For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website or our Twitter feed for more information."

The majority of destinations served by Flybe are within the UK with alternative transport arrangements available.  We recognise that this is an uncertain time for affected employees and their families. Jobcentre Plus, through its Rapid Response Service, stands ready to support any employee affected."

The chief executive of Belfast City Airport, Matthew Hall commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Flybe employees and passengers affected by this disappointing and unexpected news. Passengers booked on Flybe flights should not travel to the airport and should seek further advice from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Flybe operated 10 flights to and from Belfast City, eight of which are currently served by other carriers from our airport. Alternative travel to Birmingham; Glasgow; Leeds-Bradford; London Heathrow, Amsterdam; Edinburgh; Manchester; and Southampton can be arranged through Aer Lingus, KLM, British Airways and Loganair which operates flights to Teesside International from Belfast City Airport."

Airlines, airports, and passengers to have their say on independent aviation regulator

The UK government has this week launched a call for evidence as part of its review of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s independent aviation regulator.

Open to all interested parties, it will provide an opportunity for anybody who uses the CAA or is affected by its work – including airlines, airports, pilots and passengers – to provide insight and evidence to inform the government review, on everything from the CAA’s strategy, to its organisation and performance.

• Government launches call for evidence as part of Civil Aviation Authority review

• Public, industry and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to share feedback on performance and strategy

• Insight will be used to help ensure the provision of world-leading civil aviation regulation and public services for decades to come

Online survey here

The call for evidence will close on 22nd January 2023. It will ask questions such as whether the CAA has the right powers to effectively regulate the aviation market, whether its charges are good value for money, and whether it is effectively structured.

The wider CAA Review began in August this year and forms part of the Cabinet Office’s Public Bodies Review Programme, which aims to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of public bodies. Led by an independent reviewer, Jeremy Newman, also a member of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, the review will run until spring 2023.

The CAA has a number of functions, including ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety and security, the efficient use of airspace and space operations and protecting consumer rights. The review aims to help the organisation build on its success in tackling the unprecedented challenges of recent years.

The effectiveness and efficiency of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) - GOV.UK