To support the concerns of its members, ERA has published a study highlighting the impact of EU261 and the negative impact on aviation safety. The study revealed a worrying erosion of the safety defenses embedded in SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), aircraft system integrity and measures implemented to mitigate the human factor.

The European Commission is currently re-evaluating its recommendations in respect to Regulation EU261 relating to Air Passenger Compensation with an analysis by Steer.

ERA held a meeting with senior European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) representatives to discuss the regulation and other safety-related matters of concern to its members. It was interesting to learn from EASA that they would support recommendations five and six of ERA’s study:

5)         There should be a complete exoneration if delays or cancellations arise for any safety related reason (in line with the recently-approved Canadian regulation)

6)         To allow the airline enough time to perform all the necessary operational checks, the time threshold should be extended from three to five hours.

With the concerns outlined above, ERA fully appreciates there is a sensitivity issue in terms of aviation safety. It is striking that Steer carried out hundreds of interviews but did not consult with EASA. ERA has therefore recommended that the European Commission engages in written consultation with EASA before publishing any recommendations on the revision of the regulation.