31 August 2022
The Government has announced an independent review of the Civil Aviation Authority that will focus on effectiveness, accountability, efficiency and governance.
The review’s remit will include everything from ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety and security, to the efficient use of airspace, space operations and protecting consumer rights. Being a Government statement, it points out that the UK CAA (which is 50 this year) is ‘vital to the UK’s position as a world leader…’ although no mention is made about Shapp’s intention to make the UK ‘The Best Place In The World for General Aviation’.
A new leader of the Conservative party, and therefore Prime Minister is set to be announced on Monday 5 September with a new cabinet expected to be announced shortly afterwards. The current Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, said, “Civil aviation regulation is the lynchpin of an industry which pre-pandemic carried millions of passengers every year, contributed £22 billion to our economy and supported nearly one million jobs. This review will ensure UK civil aviation regulation continues to be world-leading on safety, security, environmental considerations, economic regulation and consumer protection – and which often supports other countries in driving up global standards.”
The review will be lead by Jeremy Newman, an independent panel member at the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, and is expected to run until Spring 2023.
Watch our interview with Grant Shapps at last year’s LAA Rally here
