Brussels, 10/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - The International Air Carrier Association (IACA), which represents 35 airlines serving the leisure sector is calling for more consultation and coherence from the European Commission when it draws up transport policy. In a communication, Sylviane Lust, Director General of IACA, denounces the “increasingly punitive approach towards the air transport industry” on the part of the European Commission, an approach which, she says, has increased costs and undermined efficiency. “Such regulation is impeding the competitiveness of the air transport industry (of the EU), in particular vis-à-vis non-EU carriers”, says Ms Lust. It is for this reason that at a meeting on Tuesday in Brussels with Transport Commission Jacques Barrot, IACA called for the air transport industry be consulted more by the Commission. IACA also called for more coherence “among all aspects of air transport legislation and a long-term strategy in favour of a competitive industry”. “We are confident after our discussion with Mr Barrot that the new Commissioner will work in partnership with the industry to develop a strong and competitive aviation industry for Europe”, said Ms Lust.