GAMA Hails European Parliament Transport Committee's Endorsement of New EASA Mandate

Brussels, Belgium — The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today applauded the European Parliament Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) members' vote in favour of concluding a new mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The EU institutions have been working on an update to EASA’s existing Basic Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 since 2015.

Members of Parliament (MEPs) supported a proposed compromise reached in late 2017 after extensive negotiations between the Parliament, led by RapporteurMarian-Jean Marinescu, and Estonia, who represented EU Member States.

“The Committee’s endorsement is a crucial step forward towards concluding this multi-year process, and bringing many of the important changes to realisation,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. “There is clear political will to modernise the EASA framework, in particular backing a risk-based, proportionate approach to all future EASA work.”

“This new framework will enshrine the idea of promoting more modern, appropriate regulations, built on flexibility and an emphasis on consensus-based standards," Bunce continued. "This is the key to allowing innovation and continually improving safety through appropriate rules."

Following today’s vote, the full plenary of the Parliament must vote on the agreement in the coming months, as well as formal agreement at ministerial-level by EU Member States before the new Basic Regulation can become law.