AR UK 'CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC' OVER NEW AIRPORT REGULATION CONSULTATION

30 April 2013 – The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has welcomed publication of the proposed new economic regulatory scheme at London’s three major airports.

Dale Keller, chief executive, said “It is encouraging that the CAA has listened to industry concerns over the need for a more flexible market based approach than previous regimes and we are cautiously optimistic that the final regulation will better meet the needs of consumers and the airline industry. Incorporating increased collaboration between airport operators and the airlines within the regulatory framework is particularly welcome since industry agreement is always preferable to excessive regulation. Whilst we believe that the pricing caps do not go far enough to drive the level of efficiency gains at airports that airlines and their passengers are seeking, the proposals are a step in the right direction.”