IACA airlines last week gave a reality check to European policymakers and aviation stakeholders on how key regulations are impacting their day to day operations and business. 

During IACA's meeting, a series of panel discussions were held on the state of the aviation industry, Flight Time Limitations (FTL), passenger rights and the Single European Sky.  The panel discussions brought together a wide range of aviation and tourism stakeholders including senior executives from leisure airlines, economists, members of the European Commission, European Member States and SESAR.

The overriding message from IACA airlines was that the sector is bleeding money and cannot cope with any over or mis-regulation, specifically in these difficult economic times.

Commenting on the various subjects raised at the AGM, IACA's new President, Michiel Meijer, Managing Director and Chairman of transavia.com, said:

“On the issue of Flight Time Limitations (FTL), we applaud the confirmation by the panel, which included European Rulemaking bodies and trade unions, that any change to the current FTL rules shall be based on safety and not social issues.”

“In the area of passenger rights, we regret the fact that the debate around the current legislation and its interpretation demonstrates a lack of knowledge and understanding of airline operations. We would like to invite the representatives of the European Commission to visit us and receive an insight into our airline's operations”.

“Finally, on the key area of the Single European Sky, airlines can no longer tolerate bearing the full risk of the huge inefficiencies in the Air Traffic Management system.  Our members reiterated the urgency of the situation, as well as the immediate need for Member States and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to change their behaviour, and to stop putting the full burden of the inefficient system on airlines.”

Reflecting on the meeting, Mr Meijer concluded:

“In these difficult times, it is vital that channels of communication are strengthened between airlines and policymakers in order to keep a viable airline industry in Europe.  IACA will continue to be at the forefront of highlighting the risks of mis-regulation and the urgent need to reduce costs, especially in today's harsh economic climate.”

Also during the AGM, Otmar Lenz, CEO of NIKI Luftfahrt was appointed as Vice-President of the association.