Scope:

Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community

Evaluation findings:

The evaluation found that the Regulation had brought sizeable EU benefits in creating the EU internal market for air services. Consumers, airlines, airports and aircrews have all benefited from more activity, new routes and airports, new business models, a wider range of advertised fares and an increased overall quality of service for consumers. At the same time, the evaluation identified a limited number of areas for improvement to ensure a better functioning internal market for air services. These issues may disproportionately affect certain parts of the market and/or stakeholders.

Possible areas for improvement identified include:

• Conditions for the granting of an operating licence, notably around authorities’ supervision of airlines’ financial fitness and the practical application of ownership and control provisions;

• Insufficient clarity in some provisions, such as on public service obligations or price transparency, which can lead to inconsistent interpretation or application;

• Lack of clarity over the regulatory treatment of new services such as drone-based operations.

Estimated savings and benefits

The magnitude of the positive impacts of the Regulation is impossible to monetize, making it difficult to draw overall quantitative conclusions about the efficiency of the Air Services Regulation. The estimated total cost across the EU-28 over the period 2008 – 2017 is EUR 39.17 million to licensing authorities, EUR 1.25 million for price transparency authorities, and EUR 118.32 million for air carriers. The general view is that the benefits brought by the Air Services Regulation have largely offset the costs it has generated.

Which objective(s) does the Commission pursue?

The general objective of the initiative, in line with the direction set by the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, is to shape a more resilient and more sustainable EU air services industry, while maintaining the highest levels of air safety and continuing to ensure connectivity and competition in the sector, to protect consumer interests, and preserve high quality employment.

The indicative list of specific objectives, as described in the call for evidence, is as follows:

• Improving financial resilience of air carriers;

• Ensuring a more resilient regulatory framework for air services;

• Promoting socially responsible connectivity; and

• Promoting sustainable connectivity