Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic have spoken out in support of the government’s planned changes to the regulation of airports in the UK.
The DfT’s draft Civil Aviation Bill outlines how the CAA will be given more powers over airports, including being able to impose tough financial penalties when they underperform.
The reforms laid out in the bill have been welcomed by Carolyn McCall, Easyjet’s CEO.
“Easyjet strongly supports these reforms, which puts the passenger at the heart of aviation policy and recognises the key role airlines can play to deliver this outcome.”
She said giving the CAA the ability to impose penalties of up to 10% of an airport’s turnover was a particular boon.
“This means that they can discipline market abuse by airports in a more proportionate and effective way.”
Virgin Atlantic has also come out in support of the bill, saying the reforms are long overdue.
A spokeswoman for the airline said current airport regulation had “failed passengers”.
“Airport charges have been allowed to increase way above the rate of inflation,” she said, “hitting passenger pockets and completely ignoring the economic climate.
“Last winter’s snow showed that the performance of airports had not improved at the same rate. Regulation must produce better outcomes for our passengers and as the Bill enters Parliament.”