A bilateral agreement strengthening cooperation on aviation safety was signed on 30 June between the European Community and the United States. The agreement enables the reciprocal acceptance of certificates issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US.
"This agreement is an important step forward in the Agency's international relations. It acknowledges its role as a reliable partner for its counterparts world-wide and will serve to reinforce the very good relationship we already have with the FAA", said Patrick Goudou, the Agency’s Executive Director.
The purposes of the agreement are to: allow the reciprocal acceptance of approvals and findings of compliance issued by the two aviation authorities; ensure the continuation of high-level regulatory cooperation; and promote a high degree of safety in air transport. Its scope covers the airworthiness approvals and monitoring of civil aeronautical products; environmental testing and approvals; and the approvals and monitoring of maintenance facilities.
Thanks to the reciprocal acceptance of certificates, the agreement will result in better harmonised safety systems on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as less cumbersome technical and administrative procedures for the recognition of certificates. This will reduce costs and pave the way for a level-playing field for European and US manufacturers.
The agreement was signed in Brussels by Mirko Komac, Director General of the Slovenian Civil Aviation Authority representing the EU Presidency, Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport and Robert A. Sturgell, Acting Administrator of the FAA. Its entry into force is subject to ratification by both sides.
Dr. Daniel Höltgen, Head of Communications
Tel.: + 49 (221) 89990 2002
Fax: + 49 (221) 89990 2502
Savina Zakoula, Press Officer
Tel.: + 49 (221) 89990 2008
Fax: + 49 (221) 89990 2508
