Recommendations & Conclusions
14 items
2
Conclusion
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The reimposition of travel restrictions had little effect on the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK. The Government appeared to recognise that outcome and belatedly reversed most of those restrictions in early January 2022. Overly strict international travel restrictions can have unintended consequences, such as encouraging countries not …
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The reimposition of travel restrictions had little effect on the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK. The Government appeared to recognise that outcome and belatedly reversed most of those restrictions in early January 2022. Overly strict international travel restrictions can have unintended consequences, such as encouraging countries not to report Variants of Concern for fear of experiencing negative economic effects.
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Government response AI summary
The Government agrees with the conclusion that the reimposition of travel restrictions had little effect on the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
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Department for Transport
3
Conclusion
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
We welcome the Government’s decision to remove all international travel requirements. We also welcome the Government’s statement that future international travel contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances. That decision gives the UK a competitive advantage over countries that were slower to remove such restrictions, providing an incentive …
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We welcome the Government’s decision to remove all international travel requirements. We also welcome the Government’s statement that future international travel contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances. That decision gives the UK a competitive advantage over countries that were slower to remove such restrictions, providing an incentive for tourists and businesspeople alike to visit the UK. Enabling test-free travel makes the UK a more attractive destination for tourists and business travellers, who will support the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic. The Government has intimated that it will continue to monitor coronavirus outbreaks and new variants, but it must make clear what that monitoring mechanism will entail and how it will be funded.
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Government response AI summary
The Government agrees with the conclusion and states that the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, and governments worldwide have had to balance competing objectives. They adapted their approach over time, learning lessons and taking a more targeted and time limited approach where possible, whilst focussing on …
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Department for Transport
5
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The Government must build international travel into its future pandemic resilience planning, developing a transparent and predictable system that can be used to facilitate safe international travel during potential future health crises. The Government’s strategy for the recovery of the aviation sector must include a commitment to developing such a …
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The Government must build international travel into its future pandemic resilience planning, developing a transparent and predictable system that can be used to facilitate safe international travel during potential future health crises. The Government’s strategy for the recovery of the aviation sector must include a commitment to developing such a plan.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendation to build international travel into future pandemic resilience planning and states they will learn lessons from COVID-19 and build resilience to future pandemics and threats to public health. They say they will work closely with industry on resilience but …
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Department for Transport
6
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The Government must set up an international travel toolkit based on the following principles: • International travel restrictions must be evidenced by transparent advice and analysis that the Government makes publicly available. Such analysis must detail the rationale and evidence as to why such restrictions are deemed effective, UK aviation: …
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The Government must set up an international travel toolkit based on the following principles: • International travel restrictions must be evidenced by transparent advice and analysis that the Government makes publicly available. Such analysis must detail the rationale and evidence as to why such restrictions are deemed effective, UK aviation: reform for take-off 47 considering both public health and economic factors. The process must allow for formal representations to be made from affected sectors, primarily the aviation and travel industries. As in Germany, restrictions should be agreed on a cross- departmental basis with an equal voice from the Department for Transport and the Department of Health and Social Care. • Any restrictions on international travel must be proportionate and comparable to those in place across the rest of the UK economy. Where the Government imposes future coronavirus restrictions on the international travel industry, and where such restrictions do not apply on a comparable basis to the domestic economy, the Government must compensate the industry for the economic loss suffered.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that restrictions on international travel must be proportionate and comparable to the rest of the UK economy and will continue to work with industry on contingency planning, but makes no commitment to compensate the industry for economic losses.
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Department for Transport
7
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The Government must convene a global taskforce to promote the standardisation of the remaining international travel requirements that were introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Government should pursue bilateral negotiations with countries with high rates of vaccination to facilitate the removal of such restrictions. (Paragraph 35) Consumer rights
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The Government must convene a global taskforce to promote the standardisation of the remaining international travel requirements that were introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Government should pursue bilateral negotiations with countries with high rates of vaccination to facilitate the removal of such restrictions. (Paragraph 35) Consumer rights
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation but notes that border measures are a sovereign prerogative. However, they agree on supporting greater alignment on international travel requirements and will continue to have a leadership role in shaping the global framework, as well as continue to engage bilaterally …
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Department for Transport
11
Conclusion
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
In April 2021, the Global Travel Taskforce recommended that the Government consult on additional, flexible and modern tools to enforce consumer rights before 48 UK aviation: reform for take-off the end of 2021. Although long overdue, the Government is now consulting on the merits of granting the Civil Aviation Authority …
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In April 2021, the Global Travel Taskforce recommended that the Government consult on additional, flexible and modern tools to enforce consumer rights before 48 UK aviation: reform for take-off the end of 2021. Although long overdue, the Government is now consulting on the merits of granting the Civil Aviation Authority additional powers to enforce aviation consumer protection laws. The Civil Aviation Authority urgently requires the power to impose financial penalties on airlines that do not provide complete refunds to consumers when they are required to do so by law.
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the conclusion and is considering the CAA having additional powers, as part of the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation. They state that aviation consumer laws are in place to protect consumers’ rights and that airlines are under a legal obligation to …
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Department for Transport
12
Conclusion
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
In the absence of additional powers, the Civil Aviation Authority must utilise its existing powers to challenge businesses and to pursue enforcement orders from the courts to tackle infringements of consumer rights in relation to refunds. Although that process may be lengthy and costly for the regulator, it is the …
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In the absence of additional powers, the Civil Aviation Authority must utilise its existing powers to challenge businesses and to pursue enforcement orders from the courts to tackle infringements of consumer rights in relation to refunds. Although that process may be lengthy and costly for the regulator, it is the best form of recourse available to consumers trying to secure refunds, until the Civil Aviation Authority is granted the power to impose financial penalties.
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the conclusion. They state that the CAA is able to enforce aviation consumer law where infringements harm the collective interests of consumers and that they are currently exploring options to go further in this area through the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform …
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Department for Transport
14
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
We welcome the Government’s decision to seek views on the length of delay that should trigger compensation for domestic flights as part of its airline passenger rights consultation, as well as the requirement that all airlines that fly to and from the UK participate in the alternative dispute resolution scheme. …
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We welcome the Government’s decision to seek views on the length of delay that should trigger compensation for domestic flights as part of its airline passenger rights consultation, as well as the requirement that all airlines that fly to and from the UK participate in the alternative dispute resolution scheme. However, the Committee is concerned that the effect of the Government’s proposed compensation scheme, which is out for consultation, could result in much reduced compensation for passengers, albeit it that a greater number of passengers may benefit from such a scheme. Although moving to a compensation scheme that is similar to the Delay Repay rail scheme might be desirable for consistency, in many cases flight delays are far more costly to the passenger than a delayed rail journey. Delayed air passengers can face missing holidays or increased travel and accommodation costs. The Government must take those factors into account in designing a new scheme.
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation regarding compensation for domestic flights and states that automatic compensation will be considered as part of the analysis of responses to the Aviation Consumer Policy Reform Consultation, with a new Aviation Passenger Charter to be published.
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Department for Transport
17
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The Government’s changes to Air Passenger Duty are welcome. However, that system will not be introduced until 1 April 2023. The Government should bring that date forward to 1 July 2022 to support domestic routes that might otherwise collapse because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Paragraph 83) Sustainable aviation
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The Government’s changes to Air Passenger Duty are welcome. However, that system will not be introduced until 1 April 2023. The Government should bring that date forward to 1 July 2022 to support domestic routes that might otherwise collapse because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Paragraph 83) Sustainable aviation
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation but will not bring forward the date of the Air Passenger Duty changes, citing the need to provide airlines with sufficient notice and acknowledge booking cycles.
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Department for Transport
18
Conclusion
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The delivery of the airspace modernisation strategy cannot be subject to further delay. Urgent attention is required if the strategy’s target deadlines are to be met. The need to deliver the strategy’s initiatives is particularly acute in the context of the Government’s decarbonisation targets and the expectation that passenger numbers …
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The delivery of the airspace modernisation strategy cannot be subject to further delay. Urgent attention is required if the strategy’s target deadlines are to be met. The need to deliver the strategy’s initiatives is particularly acute in the context of the Government’s decarbonisation targets and the expectation that passenger numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels in the next two years.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of airspace modernization for aviation decarbonization and highlights the roles of the Department for Transport, the Jet Zero Council, and the Airspace Change Organising Group in addressing this issue.
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Department for Transport
19
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
Despite the importance of airspace modernisation, and the relative speed with which it could be introduced compared with other decarbonisation measures, the Airspace Change Organising Group is not a member of the Jet Zero Council. The Committee recommends that the Airspace Change Organising Group should be elevated to full membership …
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Despite the importance of airspace modernisation, and the relative speed with which it could be introduced compared with other decarbonisation measures, the Airspace Change Organising Group is not a member of the Jet Zero Council. The Committee recommends that the Airspace Change Organising Group should be elevated to full membership of the Jet Zero Council. That would signal the serious intent of the Government to implement the required changes to airspace modernisation as quickly as possible.
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Government response AI summary
The Government acknowledges the importance of systems efficiencies, including airspace modernisation, to achieving decarbonisation.
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Department for Transport
21
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
If the Government is to achieve its targets on net-zero aviation, new sustainability policies will be required for the aviation sector, which in turn will require robust regulation. The Government must review how the Civil Aviation Authority’s powers can be reformed to enable the regulator to enforce environmental mandates that …
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If the Government is to achieve its targets on net-zero aviation, new sustainability policies will be required for the aviation sector, which in turn will require robust regulation. The Government must review how the Civil Aviation Authority’s powers can be reformed to enable the regulator to enforce environmental mandates that the Government may introduce for the aviation sector.
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Government response AI summary
The Government has noted this recommendation, and states that as they continue to develop and implement policies to achieve net zero aviation, they will consider if the CAA have the appropriate powers. They state that the DfT continues to work closely with the CAA in …
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Department for Transport
23
Recommendation
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The Government must not reimpose the 80:20 rule until the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the UK aviation market are apparent. That will protect against a potential increase in the number of ghost flights operated by legacy carriers seeking to protect their slots. (Paragraph 118) 50 UK …
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The Government must not reimpose the 80:20 rule until the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the UK aviation market are apparent. That will protect against a potential increase in the number of ghost flights operated by legacy carriers seeking to protect their slots. (Paragraph 118) 50 UK aviation: reform for take-off
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation regarding the 80:20 rule and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the regulations for slots alleviation and the monitoring of the invasion's impact, but not making a commitment to avoid reimposition of the rule.
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Department for Transport
25
Conclusion
Fifth Report - UK aviation: reform for …
Acknowledged
The Civil Aviation Authority must factor in the premise that Heathrow is one of the most expensive global airports when making its decision on the price control. Ensuring that the airport’s charging is set at a fair range can create a competitive edge for Heathrow, making it more attractive for …
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The Civil Aviation Authority must factor in the premise that Heathrow is one of the most expensive global airports when making its decision on the price control. Ensuring that the airport’s charging is set at a fair range can create a competitive edge for Heathrow, making it more attractive for airlines to operate out of compared with other European hub airports.
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation. They state that the CAA is independent of government in its role as economic regulator of Heathrow, through powers granted by the 2012 Civil Aviation Act. The CAA sets a cap on Heathrow’s airport charges per passenger, which are …
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Department for Transport