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Policy & Legislation Articles
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December, 2009Europe’s airports key engines to restore economic growth
The ACI EUROPE Small and Medium Size Airports Action Group (SMAG) held a regional airports workshop on 6 October as part of the ‘OPEN DAYS: European Week of Regions and Cities’ jointly organised by the EU Committee of the Regions and the European Commission Directorate-General for Regional Policy. The Open Days are the EU’s biggest public forum on regional and development policy. Ross Falconer reports.
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December, 2009EASA preparing aerodrome safety certification rules
Starting with this issue of Airport Business, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will regularly inform readers about its new responsibilities in aerodrome safety. This first issue highlights the main elements of the Agency’s approach.
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December, 2009ACI WORLD calls for harmonised, global approach
Airports Council International (ACI) counts around 600 members operating close to 1,700 airports worldwide and handling 96% of the world’s passenger traffic. Through the five ACI geographical regions – ACI EUROPE, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI-Latin America & Caribbean, ACI-NA (North America) – and ACI WORLD coordinating the global perspective, a strong, united voice safeguards the interests and influence of member airports. Ross Falconer spoke to Angela Gittens, Director General about ACI WORLD’s policy work with ICAO.
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October, 2009A new 5 year term at the European Union
Two of the primary EU institutions operate on 5 year terms which expire this year - the European Commission and the European Parliament. So how does this year’s change in Brussels affect the outlook for air transport in Europe? Robert O’Meara reports. Additional reporting by Federico Bonaudi.
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June, 2009ACI EUROPE pushes for crisis relief at European and national levels
On 13 March 2009, ACI EUROPE unveiled a comprehensive crisis strategy focused on five key crisis relief measures aimed at helping the aviation sector weather its worst ever crisis.
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June, 2009EU to suspend ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ rule on airport slots
Following a proposal from the European Commission on 7 May, the European Parliament adopted a proposed Regulation that suspends the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ rule on airport slots for the 2009 summer season (ending on 26 October). It is a decision that ACI EUROPE believes will hit airports hard at a time when they themselves are feeling the effects of the economic crisis. Ross Falconer reports.
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March, 2009EU Directive on Airport Charges - a workable compromise
Final adoption of the EU Directive on Airport Charges by the Council of Ministers took place on 19 February. It is the culmination of a process that began in January 2007 when the European Commission initially proposed the Directive – a process during which ACI EUROPE has participated actively in discussions with all the EU institutions involved. Entry into force in EU Member States will take place by early 2011. Ross Falconer reports.
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March, 2009Ryanair/Charleroi ruling positive for Small and Regional airports
In December last year, the European Court of First Instance annulled the European Commission’s decision on advantages granted by Belgium’s Walloon Region and Charleroi Airport to low-cost carrier, Ryanair. The case has thrust the issue of state aid back into the spotlight and the decision has potentially positive consequences for SMAG members (Small & Medium Sized airports Action Group). Ross Falconer reports.
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January, 2009Latest Airport capacity warning yields active response
In the closing quarter of what has been a very difficult year for aviation, all sides are looking for efficiency gains, with a view towards optimising capacity, reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions. A cooperative agreement between EUROCONTROL and ACI EUROPE was formalised at ACI EUROPE’s Airport Exchange event in Berlin in October, committing the two organisations to work together to address airport capacity issues, with an initial focus on Airport-Collaborative Decision Making. Simultaneously, EUROCONTROL announced the results of its authoritative Challenges of Growth study, which confirms that, notwithstanding the present crisis, Europe continues to face an airport capacity crunch. Less than a week later, the EU Observatory on Airport Capacity held its very first meeting. Ross Falconer reports on how conversation is switching to action.
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October, 2008Landmark environmental resolution at ACI EUROPE Annual Assembly
The 18th ACI EUROPE Annual General Assembly, Congress and Exhibition took place in Paris from 18-20 June. The event attracted around 500 delegates and more than 30 exhibiting companies. The high-level conference provided a productive forum at a critical time for aviation with key themes being the environment, the airport capacity crunch, the airport-airline relationship and how airports can further their place in the hearts of travellers. Ross Falconer reports.
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October, 2008New SES legislation highlights need for capacity on the ground
On 25 June, the European Commission adopted the second policy and regulatory package for achieving the Single European Sky – SES II. The proposals aim to improve the sustainability and overall performance of European aviation. The approach is based on four pillars – regulating ATM performance, a single safety framework, new technologies and managing capacity on the ground. Ross Falconer reports.
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October, 2008Aviation and the EU ETs - Where it’s at and the next steps
As part of its Climate Change strategy, the EU is now firmly committed to the greening of transport. Aviation is at the forefront, with the legislative process for its inclusion in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) nearing completion. Yet, uncertainty and risks remain high for the industry, as political considerations and untested proposals seem to dominate. Report by Etienne Van Zuijlen and Robert O’Meara.
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October, 2008SMAG engaging with the regions on a European scale
The ‘Open Days’ event organised by the EU Committee of the Regions (the EU advisory body representing regional and local authorities) is an invaluable annual three-day event where regions and cities come together from all over Europe to exchange and debate on policies for regional integration and strategies aimed at creating growth and jobs. For the second time, ACI EUROPE Small and Medium Size Airports Action Group participated in the event, joining forces with ARC (Airport Regions Conference) for a roundtable workshop on airports and the environment. Robert O’Meara reports.
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October, 2008Key findings of European Air Transport study announced
Consulting firm Ambrosetti recently carried out a study, the goal of which was to formulate proposals to advance the European air transport industry, specifically its airports, by identifying current and future risks and opportunities, as well as strategies to boost their competitiveness and efficiency. Steering Committee member Prof Karel Van Miert presented the key findings at the Forum Ambrosetti. Ross Falconer reports.
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June, 2008Demonstrating why flying matters
FlyingMatters, a coalition of trade unions, business and tourism groups, as well as aviation stakeholders, was formed last year to articulate and support the case for the sustainable growth of aviation in the UK. Ross Falconer spoke with the Director of FlyingMatters, Michelle Di Leo.
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June, 2008European Commission decides against limiting cabin baggage size
The European Commission has withdrawn plans to set legal limits to the size of cabin baggage, recognising that the effectiveness of the measure does not justify the additional costs and inconvenience to travellers. It is a move welcomed by Europe’s airports and airlines. Ross Falconer reports.
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May, 2008PRM Notification Tool – advice for airports
From 26 July this year, EU airports will become responsible for providing assistance to passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs). This assistance must be provided to PRMs departing, arriving and transiting at EU airports. Efficient implementation of the new Regulation requires the creation of smooth communication channels for the transmission of PRM information from airlines/tour operators/travel agents to airports. As such, a PRM Notification Tool was approved at the IATA Reservation Committee on 10 October 2007 and has become an IATA Recommended Practice Document. Ross Falconer reports.
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February, 2008Delivering a better performing European aviation system
The European Commission Conference ‘Towards a More Performing European Aviation System’ took place in Brussels on 22 January. Relevant stakeholders engaged in frank and open dialogue on the significant challenges facing the European air transport sector, covering areas including capacity, safety, security, efficiency and the environment. Ross Falconer reports.
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