§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to ensure that investments in quiet aircraft by United Kingdom airlines are protected against the incursion of fifth freedom airlines. [33852]
§ Mr. NorrisAll civil flights, including fifth freedom flights, operated from the UK must comply with the provisions of the EU directive and UK regulations governing the phasing out of noisier, "Chapter 2" jet aircraft. Scheduled fifth freedom services are agreed by negotiation with our bilateral partners, following consultation with UK airlines. On 19 June my noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping announced new measures aimed at tightening controls on fifth freedom charter services operated from the UK by foreign airlines. Except where flights are permitted under EC legislation, the Government's policy is to allow passenger charters to be operated by fifth freedom carriers only where no UK airline can offer a suitable aircraft.