Both Sides Also Tout Potential Savings To Customers

On Monday, the European Community and the United States signed an agreement intended to result in better harmonized aviation safety systems on both sides of the Atlantic and less cumbersome technical and administrative procedures for the recognition of certificates. Both sides state this will further improve safety levels and reduce costs for both European and US manufacturers, while the savings should in turn be reflected in cheaper fares for passengers.

"The agreement is a historical milestone not only because it is the first aviation safety agreement the European Community has concluded with a third country, but also because of its impact on aviation safety on a global scale," said European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport, Antonio Tajani.

The EU and US already have among the best aviation safety records in the world, with less than 0.6 accidents per million of departures between 1996-2005. But that figure can be reduced further.

The agreement specifically provides for joint participation in the inspection of civil aviation authorities and undertakings, for cooperation and assistance in any investigation or enforcement proceeding and on the exchange of safety data, including data on accidents and incidents. The agreement also foresees mutual recognition of aviation safety certificates obtained through shortened product approval procedures and mutual acceptance of products tests. In turn, EU and US citizens will benefit from harmonized safety systems, as well as faster and less costly technical and administrative procedures for the recognition of certificates.

Aviation is central to the macro-economic, social and political relationship between the United States. and the EU: their markets represent more than 50 percent of global aviation. The US and European industry combined carry close to 1.5 billion passengers a year; for cargo, the combined US and EU freighter fleet accounts for over 70 percent of the world total.

Furthermore, forecasts for the next five years show a net increase following the success of the recent first stage Open Skies Agreement: 25 millions extra passengers, 12 billions euros benefit and an extra 80,000 job in the US and EU.

The manufacturers' organizations covered by this agreement are the world leaders in the field. EU-US trade in aerospace products is significant: last year the overall trade of aircrafts, spacecraft and parts was worth more than $31 billion.

The economic returns for European Community and US manufacturers represent millions of euros in annual savings thanks to shorter product approval procedures and the mutual acceptance of product tests. This will in turn facilitate exchanges and healthier competition. Airlines will also benefit, since the agreement provides for the use of each others approved repair and maintenance facilities.

Furthermore, in October the European Community will pursue this approach with Canada, thus boosting safety in the entire North Atlantic area, through the cooperation of the world's three major players in aviation and avionics manufacturing.

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.faa.gov, http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm