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Regulatory Reform

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) carries out a vital role on behalf of the public to ensure that air travel within the UK is safe and that the needs of those who use air transport services are protected.

Since it was established in 1972, the CAA has maintained its reputation as a world class regulator and adapted as far as possible to reflect changes in the aviation sector. But it has to work within a legislative framework which is now almost three decades old, in the face of a rapidly evolving industry and a world facing increasing economic, environmental and social challenges. The need to address this is compelling.

We are therefore proposing to modernise the CAA’s regulatory framework to enable the CAA to carry out its regulatory activities in a manner that is fully consistent with protecting the public interest in aviation.

Regulating Air Transport: Consultation on proposals to Update the Regulatory Framework for Aviation

This consultation sets out the Government’s proposals for modernising the civil aviation regulatory framework. These proposals have been developed in parallel to the Secretary of State’s decisions on reforming the regulatory framework for the economic regulation of airports which were published on 10 December 2009. Consultation closes - 11 March 2010.

Reforming the framework for the economic regulation of airports

Promoting Financial Resilience for Major Airports: A consultation document
A Consultation on proposals to introduce a Continuity of Service Plan and to introduce a requirement for the regulator to meet additional switching on conditions for ring fencing. Consultation closes - 4 February 2010.

Reforming the framework for the economic regulation of airports: Decision Document and Impact Assessment
The Government issued a consultation in March 2009 on its proposals to update and reform the framework for the economic regulation of the airports sector. Following consideration of responses to its Consultation, the Government announces a package of reforms designed to modernise the airport economic regulatory regime and put the passenger at its heart. This decision document sets out those reforms and their rationale.