The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has underscored the importance of industry regulation to ‘keep the show on the road’ as Europe’s aviation industry continues to battle with flight cancellations and travel disruption caused by staff shortages.
Speaking at the Farnborough International Airshow this week, CAA chair Sir Stephen Hillier, said in a speech that the body must “remain relentlessly effective in delivering its core regulatory functions” in order to overcome current challenges related to post-pandemic recovery and decarbonising the industry.
“We cannot for a moment forget the enduring importance of getting the basics right; and of having a properly resilient enterprise,” he added.
Hillier said the CAA is currently working with government to expand its authority in order to protect passenger interests, insisting the body seeks the ‘equivalent levels of authority’ that are available to other regulators in the UK.
Looking ahead, Hillier said the CAA is focused on collaborating with ‘technology innovators’ to drive the future of aviation and the wider aerospace sector. He expressed excitement over the possibilities related to AI and autonomous flight, but pointed to challenges such as platform design and uncrewed operations – and how to regulate a system that is constantly adapting and evolving through machine-learning.
Further collaboration will be required to adhere to the UK government’s Jet Zero policy to reduce carbon emissions from aviation.
“Delivering sustainable aviation cannot be about a single programme of activities with one unifying and controlling mind,” Hillier said. “A global challenge of this magnitude involves a rich and evolving combination of international commitments and agreements; government leadership and policy; national and international law; public and media pressure; technical innovation; investment; consumer demand – and, of course, regulatory authority and action.”
Space regulation
The CAA expanded its responsibilities in 2021 to become the UK’s space regulator and during the show launched a consultation with the public and businesses on the environmental effects of the country’s first proposed space launch, which is set to take off from Cornwall later this year. The consultation forms part of Spaceport Cornwall’s operator licence application.
“We’re committed to our vital role of enabling the success of the UK space sector and supporting the ambition for a launch from the UK this year, regulating in a proportionate and agile way, consistent with our statutory responsibilities,” Hillier said.