AEA: Flight and Duty Time Limitations: Harmonization of rules will reinforce safety

As the new Parliamentary year starts, the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament will hold its first meeting to discuss among others the Flight and Duty Time (FTL) rules as proposed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Association of European Airlines highlights once again that the proposals are not the relaxation of today’s rules. On the contrary, they harmonise the different FTL requirements that exist across Europe and even include some new and more restrictive requirements and limitations.

“AEA acknowledges EASA’s balanced proposal, which is based on numerous scientific studies and involved all stakeholders including national safety regulators, airlines and trade unions. Airlines share pilot unions’ concerns that fatigue has no place in the flight deck. Safety cannot be compromised, therefore airlines take the necessary steps to ensure passengers’ safety” said Mr Athar Husain Khan, acting Secretary General of AEA. “AEA calls on the European Parliament to adopt the proposal before the end of this year.”