The Association of European Airlines (AEA) has welcomed the European Commission’s recent Communication on the need for a review of Regulation 261/2004 on air passenger rights.
Since its introduction, the legislation has been thoroughly tested by a stream of extraordinary events, which have seriously disrupted airline operations and passenger journeys, highlighting a number of flaws.
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas’ Communication clearly acknowledges that weaknesses exist in the legislation and shows a positive drive to address these deficiencies. He highlights the fact that interpretation and enforcement have not been harmonised, causing confusion for customers and airlines alike.
The Commission will launch a public consultation before the end of 2011 which it says could address liability in extraordinary circumstances, compensation thresholds and proportionality, as well as shared risk across the supply chain. It will also look at establishing a level playing field across all transport modes.
Says AEA Secretary General Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus: “AEA supports the Commission in its drive to review these areas. But the proposed revisions will have to undergo the complex and lengthy EU legislative process. As the volcanic ash crisis, heavy snowfall and the Japanese earthquake clearly demonstrate, extraordinary events can strike at any time. AEA therefore urges the Commission to deliver a set of guidelines to accompany Regulation 261 in the short- to medium-term.”
AEA and its 36 airline members believe these guidelines could reduce confusion among passengers and airlines alike. The market will also benefit from reasonable implementation of fundamentally flawed legislation. AEA will now continue its work with the Commission to achieve a consumer policy which is effective, efficient and answers to the needs of consumers, as well as the industry.
