New civil aviation bill 'will promote interests of passengers'

Date: 20/1/2012

The civil aviation bill had its first reading in Parliament yesterday (January 19th).

It will see the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) given the single primary duty of promoting the interests of passengers, instead of its current economic regulation work.

A great deal of legislation in the aviation industry was introduced in the 1980s and the government believes it needs to be updated.

The CAA will also have greater powers to introduce performance measures at airports and provide extra information on the matter to passengers.

Aviation Minister Theresa Villiers said: "Under the new rules, the CAA will be able to intervene much more quickly when an airport is failing passengers, for example on winter preparedness."

There is also a clause within the bill that enables the Secretary of State to make changes to the ATOL protection scheme, such as by including holidays sold by airlines.

Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Justine Greening explained the UK's airports will play a key role in ensuring the success of the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

Posted by Mary Treen