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 

UK Government launches review of Civil Aviation Authority powers in order to strengthen regulator for the future

An independent review of the CAA will ensure the provision of world-leading civil aviation regulation and public services for decades to come.

The government has today launched an independent review of the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ensure the provision of world-leading regulation and public services for decades to come.

With a remit that includes everything from ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety and security, to the efficient use of airspace, space operations and protecting consumer rights, the Civil Aviation Authority is vital to the UK’s position as a world leader in aviation and aerospace.

Building on the organisation’s success in tackling the unprecedented challenges of recent years, the review will focus on:

• its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its services currently, and for the future
• its role, form, function and delivery model
• the corporate governance and assurance mechanisms underpinning the organisation
• the CAA’s relationship with the Department for Transport and how the 2 organisations work together to deliver a quality service for the UK
• how its priorities match up to the government’s wider objectives, taking into consideration its role as an independent regulator

This year the regulator celebrated its 50th birthday and has played a key role in the aviation sector’s recovery, as set out in our 22-point action plan to help minimise disruption in the sector and protect passengers.

For years to come the regulator will also be crucial in ensuring the sector can modernise and innovate to meet the challenges of the future, while protecting consumer rights  – as set out in our 10-year strategy Flightpath to the future.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

"Civil aviation regulation is the lynchpin of an industry which pre-pandemic carried millions of passengers every year, contributed £22 billion to our economy and supported nearly one million jobs.

This review will ensure UK civil aviation regulation continues to be world-leading on safety, security, environmental considerations, economic regulation and consumer protection – which often supports other countries in driving up global standards."

 

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said:

"At the Civil Aviation Authority, we work tirelessly on our mission to achieve improvements in aviation and aerospace for consumers and the public.

We welcome the opportunity this review presents to highlight the dedication, skill and continuous learning culture of our organisation, whilst identifying any areas for improvement.

It will help ensure that we continue to be a diverse, innovative and future-focused regulator, dedicated to improving aviation safety, security and consumer interests and enabling a thriving aerospace sector.

We look forward to working in an open, transparent and collaborative way with government to support this review."

ATOL renewals statement October 2021 from UK's CAA

The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirms that of the 1,133 ATOL licences that expired on 30 September 2021, 871 have been renewed, with a further 118 still in the process. In total there are now 1,517 ATOL holders, with 661 due to renew in March 2022.

With 217 businesses applying in the fourteen days leading up to the 30 September deadline, 85 of which were in the last three days, the UK Civil Aviation Authority urges travel businesses that are due to renew in March 2022 to apply in good time before the 31 March 2022 deadline because of the time required to analyse and process applications and put any required conditions in place. Businesses that fail to allow reasonable time to apply by the deadline risk being unable to take ATOL protected bookings.  

ATOL Licences as of 30 September 2021   -   1,133

Did not apply 2021   -   144 *

Granted 2021   -   871

Applied but not yet renewed - 1 October 2021    -   118 **

Michael Budge, Head of ATOL Licensing at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:   “We understand the pressure the industry is facing and would like to thank travel companies for engaging with us throughout the renewal process. The Civil Aviation Authority has continued to apply the current ATOL framework when processing the latest renewals.

“The ATOL scheme ultimately exists to protect consumers and therefore it is more important than ever that the Civil Aviation Authority focuses on appropriate protection of customer money, as well as travel businesses maintaining adequate liquidity.”

Data presented as of 3 October 2021.

* Includes 41 trade ATOL holders that no longer require to hold an ATOL licence.

** 52 of these submitted applications within the last 5 business days of September 2021.

Travel companies with ATOLs must renew their licences each year, either in September or March.

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UK CAA warns travel first to renew ATOL licences before the end of September or stop selling holidays.....

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is warning UK travel businesses that are due to renew their ATOL licence must apply for a renewal as soon as possible and those yet to meet their licence conditions must do so or face losing their ability to sell package holidays after 30 September 2021.

With just one week left before the deadline, there is still a variety of different sized travel companies that are yet to apply to renew their ATOL: around 20% of businesses.

Commenting, Michael Budge, Head of ATOL Licencing at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“We appreciate the challenges the travel industry has faced over the past 18 months and thank those travel businesses that have already submitted their application and supporting information for renewal in good time.”

“We are continuing to work closely with many businesses to support them with their licence renewal. However, applications must be thoroughly assessed and where licence conditions are required these must be met before the new licence can be granted. Therefore, it is very important that those businesses that have not yet submitted their applications do so as soon as possible to avoid delays to their ability to sell package holidays.”

If a new ATOL is not granted before the current one expires, the business will no longer hold an ATOL and will be unable to transact business which is legally required to be covered under ATOL.

This means businesses would have to:

Stop taking new licensable bookings

Stop accepting payments for existing licensable booking

Instruct agents (if applicable) that they should not accept any new bookings or any payment

Stop advertising licensable business and remove all references to ATOL on your website/s and other publicity/promotional material.

In addition, there would be a breach of the ATOL Regulations if businesses continued to hold bookings for customers that have entered into licensable transactions. This means businesses would have to notify all customers due to travel after 30 September 2021 that they cannot provide their travel arrangements and provide a full refund of all monies paid.

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CAA launch autumn Virtual Voyage 2021 General Aviation Summit

The UK's CAA is inviting participants for its Virtual Voyage 2021 General Aviation Summit, brought to you by the UK Civil Aviation Authority on 6, 7 and 11 October 2021.

There will be a 70-minute interactive discussion with a 20 minute live Q&A at each event this October.  Hosted by Sophie O'Sullivan, Head of the General Aviation (GA) & Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) team, our agenda is taking shape.

The CAA hope to bring updates on new initiatives as well as programmes of work including:

• GA Consultation update
• UK - EU transition impact on licensing
• Licensing and medical updates

"The maiden Virtual Voyage event in the Spring reached an audience of over 3,500 members of the UK GA community and we hope to bring you a bigger and better series of events. Comments and suggestions as well as responses to our feedback survey have helped to create an agenda we hope will cover those topics we believe matter the most to you. 

We have invited FLYER, FTN and AOPA to host the live Q&A sessions across the three events where questions will be posed to our CAA panel. Here are full details of event dates, times and live Q&A details."

For any questions on see the Virtual Voyage | UK Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

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GA-ASI SeaGuardian flies first approved point-to-point UAS flight in UK

SeaGuardian flew from Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington to RAF Lossiemouth and the SeaGuardian flight was controlled by NATS, the UK's civilian Air Navigation Service Provider.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the first time approved a point-to-point domestic flight of an unmanned aircraft that utilized the UK's airways structure when General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew its MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from Lincolnshire, England, to Moray, Scotland, on Sept. 12, 2021. The GA-ASI-owned RPA flew from Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington to RAF Lossiemouth and the SeaGuardian flight was controlled by NATS, the UK's civilian Air Navigation Service Provider.

"The Airspace Coordination Notice issued by the CAA for this series of demonstration flights in UK airspace is the largest and most meticulous we have ever produced so that the airspace integration of SeaGuardian is at the highest level of safety," said Tom Gratton, CAA Airspace Regulator.

"We appreciate the cooperation and collaboration with the CAA and NATS in helping to move the industry forward," said GA-ASI Vice President of International Strategic Development Robert Schoeffling. "This successful flight paves the way not only for future operations of Protector in UK airspace, but also for other civil and commercial UAS flights."

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published aviation statistics for the second quarter of 2021.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published aviation statistics for the second quarter of 2021. Overall, 6.3 million passengers flew in and out of the UK between April and June this year (compared to 3.4 million in quarter one 2021), across 124,000 flights (81,000 flights in quarter one 2021). This represents a 92% fall in passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest quarter saw several updates to Government travel guidance. International leisure travel started to reopen from 17 May 2021 with the 'traffic light' system introduced.

Overall levels of cargo transport were down 9% compared to the same period in 2019, with 605,436 tonnes of cargo carried. However, cargo-only flights saw a 114% increase in goods transported, with 444,643 tonnes carried.

The average flight delay also improved, with an average wait of six minutes per flight (down from nine minutes in quarter one 2021) and 89.2% of flights departing on time.

We are beginning to see an increase in international leisure travel, particularly across Portugal and Spain, as the travel sector looks to safely recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Following the steady relaxation of isolation rules for a variety of destinations, including those for double vaccinated UK citizens, we expect further recovery of the number of flights and passengers in quarter three 2021.

 

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UK holidaymakers warned to check for financial protection

With more popular holiday destinations now added to the Government's green list for travel and more hot-spot locations for vaccinated travellers on the amber list, many of us will now be searching for a long-awaited trip abroad. With the new additions comes more deals and offers for holidays, and ATOL

With more popular holiday destinations now added to the Government's green list for travel and more hot-spot locations for vaccinated travellers on the amber list, many of us will now be searching for a long-awaited trip abroad. With the new additions comes more deals and offers for holidays, and ATOL are reminding potential passengers that financial protection for your booking is more important now than ever.

What's the best form of financial protection?

If you are booking a package holiday, make sure that it is financially protected by the ATOL scheme. ATOL protection means that if the travel company you booked with ceases trading, you will either get your money back, or, if you have already begun your holiday, be able to complete your trip at no extra cost.

A package holiday is a combination of travel elements, such as a flight and hotel stay, that is sold by a travel provider in one inclusive price. Any UK company that sells package holidays which include a flight are legally required to register with ATOL, however, you should always check that your travel provider is a legitimate ATOL holder. You can do this on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website at:

https://www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection/check-an-atol/atol-holder-search/

How else can I protect my holiday?

While ATOL protected package holidays provide the best level of protection possible, there are other ways of booking trips and protecting your cash. Our top tips for travelling this year are:

Book an ATOL protected package holiday

Follow the rules and requirements for entry to your destination

Book on a credit card where possible for Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act

Take out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book

Keep up to date with UK Government travel advice and follow advice when returning

Commenting, Andy Cohen, Head of ATOL, said:    “We are starting to see more and more popular holiday destinations opening up to travellers. With the final part of the summer season still to come, we expect to see an increase in last-minute bookings.

“If you're booking a trip away, beware of deals that look too good to be true. Always do your research and book a package holiday that is financially protected by ATOL. It's important now more than ever that holidaymakers make sure they are financially protected when travelling."

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UK's CAA issues safety warning after pitot blockage events at London Heathrow

A new safety warning notice has been issued after the UK's Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accident Investigation Branch have been told about three separate events of blocked pitot tubes occurring at London Heathrow Airport which could have caused a disaster. 

These most recent events all took place between 9 June 2021 – 11 June 2021, where aircraft have been subject to pitot blockages which resulted in airspeed discrepancies and associated crew actions. All of the events are being investigated by the UK AAIB under normal ICAO Annex 13 investigation procedures. However, initial feedback seems to suggest a form of insect infestation may have 

contributed to these events.

According to the CAA, all the aircraft involved were of different types and hadn't been used very much. The aircraft had been subject to parking for periods of 3 -7 days at various locations within the airport..

Because of the risks,  the CAA advises all operators and maintenance crews to be aware of the issues and said that whilst the investigation is ongoing, such events may not be isolated to just London Heathrow and could affect many other aircraft at other airports.

The CAA also says that flight deck crews should be made aware of  "this potential issue, reminded of the importance of the speed checks during the take-off roll and the actions to be taken in the case of a discrepancy, as well as the appropriate unreliable speed indications for their aircraft type should they discover the issue once airborne."

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UK Civil Aviation Authority and Primary Engineer announce partnership to help pupils design the future

UK Civil Aviation Authority and Primary Engineer announce partnership to help pupils design the future

Primary Engineer announced that the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has become a National Partner for the 'If You Were an Engineer, What Would You Do?' competition. The competition known as The Leaders Award annually sees tens of thousands of pupils across the UK interviewing engineering professionals, identifying problems in the world and designing solutions to them, a selection of which are brought to life by university engineering teams.

The partnership with the CAA will enable both primary and secondary pupils to gain engineering insights into aviation and aerospace through direct engagement with CAA engineering professionals who will inspire pupils to consider challenges in the world, especially those related to aviation and aerospace and create innovative designs to solve them.

From trampolines which charge mobile phones to solutions for 'space junk', pupils will have opportunities to identify themselves with engineering through issues and interests that matter to them. The competition which boasts a 50:50 gender split, allows all pupils to meet engineering professionals through online or face to face sessions to find out who they are and what they do and then to focus their ingenuity on a challenge in the world they want to address.

 

UK Civil Aviation Authority and Primary Engineer announce partnership to help pupils design the future

UK Civil Aviation Authority and Primary Engineer announce partnership to help pupils design the future

Primary Engineer announced that the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has become a National Partner for the 'If You Were an Engineer, What Would You Do?' competition. The competition known as The Leaders Award annually sees tens of thousands of pupils across the UK interviewing engineering professionals, identifying problems in the world and designing solutions to them, a selection of which are brought to life by university engineering teams.

The partnership with the CAA will enable both primary and secondary pupils to gain engineering insights into aviation and aerospace through direct engagement with CAA engineering professionals who will inspire pupils to consider challenges in the world, especially those related to aviation and aerospace and create innovative designs to solve them.

From trampolines which charge mobile phones to solutions for 'space junk', pupils will have opportunities to identify themselves with engineering through issues and interests that matter to them. The competition which boasts a 50:50 gender split, allows all pupils to meet engineering professionals through online or face to face sessions to find out who they are and what they do and then to focus their ingenuity on a challenge in the world they want to address.

 

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has issued 630 fines since February to airlines carrying passengers without the right documents.

The Civil Aviation Authority has issued 630 fines since February to airlines carrying passengers without the right documents.

It remains a requirement for all passengers, no matter which country they have travelled from, to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 3 days before departure and to self-isolate on arrival. A passenger locator form (PLF) must also be completed and passengers arriving without a completed form and negative test face a £500 fine.

Carriers are obliged to ensure passengers have these documents before they arrive in England and can face fines of £2,000 for each passenger they carry who does not have a valid Pre-Departure Test Certificate and £2,000 for each passenger who does not have a completed PLF (including with the correct test booking reference number for managed quarantine or mandatory testing).

This is in addition to fines of £4,000 for failing to provide the correct information to passengers before departure and during the journey informing them of their requirements, and a £2,000 fine for conveying passengers who have been in a red list country in the previous 10 days to a non-designated port.