Brussels, 08/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - In conclusions adopted on Monday 7 April, in Luxembourg, the Council of EU Transport Ministers welcomed the recent European Commission communication on general and business aviation. The Council notes that the sector has limited resources to keep up with ongoing regulatory changes. It stresses in this context that it is necessary for regulations to be proportionate and ensure that safety is not compromised. Ministers welcome the Commission's intention to facilitate access to world markets for European aircraft manufacturers and operators of general and business aviation aircraft, in coordination with member states.
The Council considers that two approaches may significantly help the sector to raise the challenges facing it regarding airport capacity and airspace: 1) better planning of infrastructure in order to optimise the use of existing capacities; and 2) more intensive use of modern technology.
Member states acknowledge that general and business aviation must (after the fashion of the aeronautics sector in general or of any other form of transport) reduce the incidence of noise and emissions. It notes in this respect that it is important to ensure that European legislation takes into account specific characteristics of the general and business aviation sector. Finally, the Council welcomes actions already underway, mainly in the field of research, in order to perfect new more environmentally-friendly equipment, and calls for these actions to be followed in cooperation with all stakeholders. (L.C.)