AIR TRANSPORT LIBERALISATION

The Third Package works well by and large and it is not intended to make fundamental changes. A proposed revision was published on 18 July 2006 consisting of two elements: simplification with removal of discrepancies; and ensuring a more consistent approach across the Member States. The proposals are currently going through the European Parliament. The Department for Transport (DfT) conducted a parallel consultation in the UK.

ABTA’s Position

ABTA has made its views known via ECTAA to MEPs and the DfT. There are three areas of interest: 1) carriers’ financial soundness; 2) inclusion of taxes, fees and charges in the air fare; 3) non-discriminatory access to air fares regardless of where the passenger resides or where the agent is located. This is in line with ABTA’s own approaches to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and has been reiterated to the DfT.

Last updated: 8 April 2008