The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) today published on its website a consultation document, proposing improvements in environmental protection in the regulation of European civil aviation.
Patrick Goudou, Executive Director, said: “This consultation underlines the Agency’s commitment to the goal of environmental protection. Existing international standards do not cover all types of aircraft and it takes a long time to introduce modifications. This makes it difficult for Europe to respond quickly to new developments. An alternative approach is for the Community to adopt its own environmental objectives. While ensuring compliance with international standards, this would enable Europe to better pursue environmental priorities”.
The EASA regulatory system is expected to cover all aspects of civil aviation safety in the near future. In the domain of the environment, the Agency’s role is however limited essentially to ensure the environmental compatibility of aircraft and engines according to requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Taking into account that all aspects of aviation have an environmental dimension, the Notice of Proposed Amendment suggests a number of essential requirements, including for example measures to ensure aircraft are operated in an environmentally appropriate way.
Comments received will help EASA to formulate a final position to the European Commission in view of a possible legislative proposal. This would complete the building of the single system to regulate civil aviation safety and environmental compatibility.
For a link to the Notice of Proposed Amendment, click here.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was set up by the EU in 2003 to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs some 400 experts and administrators from all over Europe.
Dr. Daniel Höltgen
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Elisabeth Schöffmann, Press Officer
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