Brussels, 08/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - The vice-chairman of the transport committee, Jacques Barrot, told the European Parliament transport committee on Tuesday of the dates of consultation that he plans to conduct with a view to preparing revision of the regulation on air passengers' rights to compensation and assistance (EUROPE 9401). A first meeting will be held in Brussels on 14 May with the representatives of national bodies responsible for monitoring application of the regulation. A second meeting, on 25 May, will be for the air industry. A joint meeting with both parties will be held on 21/22 June. Revision of the regulation aims to resolve the failings linked to application of the current text, noted in the report published by the Commission on 4 April 2007.
Mr Barrot told MEPs that the Commission hopes to improve cooperation with and between the national bodies in order to finally achieve establishment of a code of good conduct to settle the aspects that are not covered by the regulation in force. The Commission also wants to give a clear definition of “delay” and “cancellation” of flights as well as “acts of God” and “extraordinary circumstances” which, in the current regulation, allow companies to be exempted from paying compensation to passengers if flights are cancelled. Mr Barrot also undertook to tackle the question of indemnities in the event of delay. The current regulation provides for indemnities solely when flights are cancelled, and if passengers are not given adequate warning of the cancellation (see EUROPE 9401). (aby)