Brussels, 05/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Association of European Airlines (AEA) has slammed a recent decision that 'health inspections by arriving aircraft and passengers, conducted by the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), will cost 10% more from November 1' 2009 onwards. The decision is being challenged by EU airlines and the US Air Transport Association, and will be on the agenda of the upcoming talks between the EU and the US over the second stage of the Open Skies Agreement to liberalise transatlantic air transport, due to start on Wednesday 7 October 2009. The AEA says that the decision was taken unilaterally and without prior consultation with industry, the decision covers health checks and payment for them. The cost of the health checks are calculated per passenger (they will rise from US$5 to $5.50) and per plane (around US$ 75 per plane when the decision comes into force). The AEA is more unhappy at the principle of cost recovery carried out by the US authorities than the price rise itself. The AEA argues that the 10% rise more or less corresponds to the money APHIS has lost due to the fall in transatlantic air travel as a result of the economic crisis. The AEA says that the crisis has been ongoing for at least a year and nothing justifies the 'emergency' action announced by APHIS to justify its failure to consult with industry. The decision will also result in a further punishment for airlines, adds AEA. Transatlantic air traffic for AEA members alone has fallen by 6% over the past twelve months, with income from passenger transport has slumped by 17%. (A.By. trans fl)