AIRLINES WON’T COMPLY WITH “ABSURD” EC POLICY, SAYS ERA

18/02/2005

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has backed a pan-industry outcry demanding the withdrawal of “blatantly erroneous and deliberately misleading” European Commission assertions that airlines should fly in bad weather conditions.

ERA Director General Mike Ambrose said: “'Forget the self-congratulatory celebrations in which the European Commission has indulged, regarding its flawed Passenger Rights legislation. Air travellers should really start to be worried when the EC, as the custodian and overseer of air transport, deliberately misleads the public by making erroneous statements regarding airline safety and operations.”

The EC statement that set off the row was published on their web site:
“Fog or other weather conditions, such as rain, storms, snow, etc., only rarely constitute exceptional circumstances.
“Indeed, in order to be able to use the exemption for ‘exceptional circumstances’, the airline has first to show that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the problems caused to passengers following these weather conditions. Current technological development makes it possible for a plane in almost all cases to take off or land in the most difficult weather conditions. It is incredible that airlines continue, as in the past, to improperly use this exemption by pleading it in any circumstance.”

Citing numerous instances where weather conditions can undermine the safety of aircraft despite technological advances, industry associations responded today with an open letter to the Commission pointing out the reality of air safety needs in circumstances such as prolonged turbulence and icing.

Mike Ambrose added: “Airlines have always treated passengers with far greater sensitivity than other modes of transport and are certainly not about to put their safety at risk by operating these absurd policies.”