Draft civil aviation bill means new responsibilities for CAA

Date: 23/11/2011

Promoting the interests of passengers will be the primary focus of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) following the introduction of new legislation.

Published today (November 23rd), the draft civil aviation bill replaces the current duties carried out by the organisation.

It has been designed to ensure a better experience for travellers through the introduction of performance-improving measures at the UK's major airports.

The CAA will also encourage transport hubs to invest in improvement initiatives and give passengers more information about how airports and airlines are faring.

Furthermore, it is hoped the changes will encourage economic growth and save taxpayers' money.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said although passengers are usually satisfied with airport facilities, "they also say they want things like more seating, better information and additional baggage carousels at busy times."

These are the matters the CAA will now address, she added.

Earlier this month, plans were unveiled for the construction of a new £50 billion transport hub on the Thames Estuary, which would include an airport and rail links to major UK cities.

Posted by Mary Treen