An independent review of the Civil Aviation Authority has been launched by the government, which it says will “ensure the provision of world-leading regulation and public services for decades to come”.
The review will focus on five key points including the regulator’s efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its services and its relationship with the Department for Transport.
Led by Jeremy Newman, an independent panel member at the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, the review will run until spring 2023 and forms part of a wider programme looking at public bodies across government.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Civil aviation regulation is the lynchpin of an industry which pre-pandemic carried millions of passengers every year, contributed £22 billion to our economy and supported nearly one million jobs.
“This review will ensure UK civil aviation regulation continues to be world-leading on safety, security, environmental considerations, economic regulation and consumer protection – which often supports other countries in driving up global standards.”
The review comes as the aviation sector continues its recovery from the pandemic and will run alongside the International Civil Aviation Organisation safety audit.
Sir Stephen Hillier, chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “At the Civil Aviation Authority, we work tirelessly on our mission to achieve improvements in aviation and aerospace for consumers and the public.
“We welcome the opportunity this review presents to highlight the dedication, skill and continuous learning culture of our organisation, whilst identifying any areas for improvement.
“It will help ensure that we continue to be a diverse, innovative and future-focused regulator, dedicated to improving aviation safety, security and consumer interests and enabling a thriving aerospace sector.
“We look forward to working in an open, transparent and collaborative way with government to support this review.”
The review will focus on:
- its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its services currently, and for the future
- its role, form, function and delivery model
- the corporate governance and assurance mechanisms underpinning the organisation
- the CAA’s relationship with the Department for Transport and how the two organisations work together to deliver a service for the UK
- how its priorities match up to the government’s wider objectives, taking into consideration its role as an independent regulator
Which? policy and advocacy director Rocio Concha said: “Airports and airlines urgently need to be held to account for the unacceptable disruption travellers have faced in recent months, and this review must not delay progress with plans to give the CAA stronger powers, which should include the ability to fine airlines directly when they flout the rules.
“The government must also drop plans to slash passenger compensation for delayed and cancelled domestic flights.”