The Role of Airports in the European Aviation Safety Framework (EASA) - 2022 EASA ASC

Summary

Patrick Key, Executive Director of EASA, reflects on his tenure and the evolution of safety regulations in the aviation industry during a conference in Prague. He discusses the successful integration of institutional policy with technical aspects, the challenges faced with implementing new airport rules, and the importance of communication between regulators and airport operators. Key also highlights the role of EASA during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for a harmonized approach to safety and sustainability in the growing air transport sector.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Patrick Key, the executive director of AYASA, is addressing the audience at a conference in Prague.
• 📅 This is Patrick's last year as director, reflecting on his nearly 10-year tenure with the organization.
• 🔒 He initiated annual safety conferences under the EU presidency, combining institutional policy with technical issues.
• 🌐 Despite COVID-19, these conferences have been successful, emphasizing the importance of the connection between policy and technical aspects.
• 🛫 Patrick recalls the initial resistance and criticism from the airport industry towards new regulations, particularly from a major Western country.
• 🗣️ Communication was key in addressing misunderstandings between regulatory bodies and airport operators.
• 🛃 The 2014 regulation adoption and 2018 enforcement highlighted the complexities of airport operations and the need for a harmonized approach across Europe.
• 📉 The longest transition period in their field was experienced, reflecting the challenges in implementing new rules in the airport sector.
• 🤝 AYASA's collaboration with the airport community during the pandemic demonstrated the value of partnerships in health protection protocols and operational restarts.
• 🚫 The industry faced new safety challenges post-pandemic, such as bird nesting at airports and restarting operations with grounded aircraft.
• 🛠️ Ongoing work on ground handling is emphasized, with the need for a clear allocation of responsibilities at the European level.
• 🌟 The conference will explore future challenges, including new technologies, digitalization, ground handling, vertiports, and environmental sustainability.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the provided transcript?

The speaker is Patrick Key, the Executive Director of AYASA.

What is the significance of organizing a safety conference under the auspices of the EU presidency according to Patrick Key?

Patrick Key believes it's a good way to integrate the institutional setup with more technical issues, fostering a connection between policy aspects and technical aspects.

How did Patrick Key describe the response to the new airport implementing rule in 2014?

Patrick Key described the response as initially very critical, with strong opposition from the association of airports and concerns about the impact on airport operations and finances.

What was the main issue with the new airport regulations according to the feedback received by Patrick Key?

The main issue was a problem of interpretation and communication, with a lack of understanding between the regulatory world and the operational world of airport operators.

How did AYASA address the challenges faced with the new airport regulations?

AYASA worked a lot on communication, trying to interpret the regulations in a flexible way and work together with national authorities and airport operators.

What role did AYASA play during the COVID-19 pandemic according to Patrick Key?

AYASA played a significant role in developing health protection protocols for airports, providing guidance on restarting operations, and addressing new safety-related issues that arose.

What is the longest transition period that AYASA has ever had in their field, as mentioned by Patrick Key?

The longest transition period mentioned by Patrick Key was for the certification of relevant airports by the civil aviation authorities, which took place by 2018.

Why is ground handling considered a challenging topic in the aviation industry?

Ground handling is challenging due to the different types of stakeholders, interests, and the need for a European level playing field that clearly allocates responsibilities and tasks.

What are the main topics that will be discussed in the conference as per the script?

The main topics include lessons from the previous summer, new technologies for safety and digitalization in airports, ground handling, future vertiports, and environmental sustainability.

What is Patrick Key's view on the future of air transport?

Patrick Key believes that air transport will continue to grow and reach even higher levels than before the pandemic.

How does Patrick Key conclude his speech?

Patrick Key concludes by wishing everyone a successful conference and emphasizing the importance of working together for the benefit of all stakeholders.