THE INFLUENCE OF THE CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

With legislative power over aviation industry regulations shifting increasingly from Finland to the European Union, the Civil Aviation Administration also has to be highly active in exerting its influence. The European commission often conducts surveys among industry operators before putting forward proposed regulations or directives. This phase offers the service provider a valuable opportunity to influence future legislation. During the year the we have responded to questionnaires on such matters as slot trading, tariff conferences and airport capacity. It is in the EU’s interest to see that economically important infrastructures such as airports are as effective as possible. Attempts are being made to increase aviation capacity without ignoring sustainable development, and to make competition work unobstructed.

Here the Civil Aviation Administration has an important duty as a spokesman for free markets whilst at the same time defending the services in remote areas. The CAA has called for a flexible system which takes into account the changing circumstances of different regions where necessary.

Service providers play an essential role in the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, Eurocontrol, which works closely with the European commission. In addition, the CAA is a member of the international airports organisation, ACI, which watches over the interests of the airports in the legislative process. The ACI has its European office in Brussels.