AEA/ACI EUROPE: airlines and airports seek end to no-fly uncertainties

Association of European Airlines (AEA) and ACI EUROPE expressed (21-May-2010) appreciation for the leadership of the European Commission in seeking to reduce disruptions to air traffic in Europe. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has provided guidance for flight operations in conditions of volcanic ash contamination, effective 21-May-2010. In particular AEA and ACI EUROPE commended the EC for creating a crisis management structure to better deal with future crises. However, they believe more is required to end the piecemeal approach to the ongoing volcanic ash crisis. They issued an unequivocal call for "continued and swift improvement of the current procedures through the development of a uniform European model based on accurate data rather than unverified assumptions". [more]