The Earl of Munsterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they take to ensure that all aircraft leaving the UK comply with UK safety regulations, despite fifth freedom licences.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)Under Articles 102 and 104 of the Air Navigation (No. 2) Order 1995, any non EEA operator wishing to perform a public transport flight to or from the United Kingdom must obtain a permit from the Secretary of State for Transport. Before approving any such flights, the airline must meet my department's documentary criteria for the type of flight concerned. These criteria include confirmation from the state of registry as to the airworthiness of the aircraft and that the operations of the aircraft will be in accordance with international safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). In cases where my department has any doubts about safety standards, consideration of the applications is deferred until these doubts have been resolved.
However, concern has been expressed as to whether ICAO safety standards are being uniformly applied. I therefore announced on 10 January a number of new measures designed to increase the oversight of safety standards of foreign aircraft operating to the UK. These measures will include increased surveillance and participation by the UK in new international safety procedures which ICAO will be introducing to monitor member states' adherence to ICAO safety standards.
My department is also consulting industry and users about possible amendments to policies affecting fifth freedom charter flights by foreign operators. This consultation is taking relevant safety requirements into account.