The UK's aviation safety chief has accused European airlines and manufacturers of "sitting on the sidelines" and ignoring crucial discussions leading to the setting up of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Sir Roy McNulty, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, told the industry that failing to take part could delay initiatives such as the creation of a so-called Single European Sky and harmonisation of air traffic control. He warned the Aviation Club of the UK that the handover of responsibility for Europe's aviation safety regime from the Joint Aviation Authorities to EASA "would not be seamless". The agency is due to come into being next year.
"Too many people are sitting on the sidelines hoping it will be all right on the night," he said, adding: "The Single Sky project often seems to me like trying to push a very large stone up a very large hill. It needs more backing from countries. It could produce huge gains - but not enough are taking an interest."
Recalling a recent visit to the USA to discuss aviation safety, McNulty said: "I got more sensible questions about EASA in three days than I get here in three months."
Source: Flight International
