The internal aviation market is submitted to a so-called fitness check to see if the current rules are still fit for purpose. This is necessary because the internal aviation market is made up of many different elements and circumstances can change quite quickly. So, even though the current main regulatory framework
Regulation 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the EU has been in force for some four years, there have already been so many developments that it might be necessary to tweak the existing framework in places. The Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport will perform the fitness check on one primary piece of legislation as well as on two additional regulations that deal with specific areas of the internal market for aviation:
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Regulation 80/2009 on a Code of Conduct for computerised reservation systems
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Regulation 785/2004 on insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators
Areas that form part of the fitness check are price transparency, computerised reservation systems and insurance requirements. Other elements that are part of the check include public service obligations, traffic distribution between airports, market access and leasing.
Stakeholder consultation on restriction of traffic rights and market access issues
DG MOVE has consulted stakeholders on various aspects relating to the functioning of the internal market for aviation. The first stakeholder consultations were organised with European level organisations and Member States on 27 and 28 June 2011. The agenda for this meeting is included below. Only European level organisations can be accommodated in our meeting rooms, but we very much value the opinion of other stakeholders on the subjects that are under discussion in the fitness check.
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Agenda 27 June
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Stakeholder Consultation - PSO
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Price transparency
DG MOVE has commissioned a study into the issue of air ticket price transparency. The objective of the study is to assess whether the rules on transparency of prices to consumers, both in Regulation 1008/2008 and in other texts aimed at protecting consumers' interests are meeting their intended objective: to offer consumers a transparent price with an easily identifiable final price and a price they can easily compare with other offers. Regulation 1008/2008 defines that the final price of air fares shall be indicated at all times, including taxes, charges and surcharges and fees which are unavoidable or foreseeable at the time of publication of the price. The study evaluates whether these rules are still fit for purpose in the current market circumstances of increased competition and increased unbundling of air ticket prices. It will be soon available for download.
Insurance
DG MOVE has commissioned a study into the issue of insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators. The objective of the study is to assess whether the rules on insurance requirements of air carriers and aircraft operators (Regulation (EC) 785/2004 and its amendment Commission Regulation (EU) 285/2010 ) are meeting their intended objective: to ensure that air carriers are adequately insured to cover their liability in case of accidents, in particular in respect of passengers, baggage, cargo and third parties.
The study evaluates whether these rules are still fit for purpose in the current market circumstances.
To contribute to the fitness check or to request information, please write to MOVE-FITNESS-CHECK@ec.europa.eu