§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will require foreign airlines which base their aircraft in the United Kingdom to comply with the United Kingdom's normal operational and safety requirements. [39378]
§ Mr. BowisNo. As a signatory to the Chicago convention the United Kingdom is obliged to accept certificates and licences issued in respect of foreign registered aircraft provided that the minimum safety standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation are being met. However, the new measures on fifth freedom charter flights, which my noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping announced on 19 June, should discourage foreign airlines from basing passenger aircraft in the UK.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take action to prevent the selling of capacity on foreign registered aircraft in advance of their operators receiving authorisation to operate from the United Kingdom or obtaining flight slots. [39507]
§ Mr. BowisNo. If tour operators were prevented from selling air holidays or air seats before entering a contract with an airline, this could severely affect their ability to respond to consumer demand, leading to restricted choice for customers and higher holiday prices.