Was the EU Employment Commissioner Marianne Thyssen right to tell Michael O’Leary that the “EU internal market is not a jungle” and there are rules that employers should abide by? Her statement was indeed correct. But it was also a highly optimistic representation of reality on the ground

The European Parliament (EP) introduced an important amendment that could ban P2F schemes. This amendment, which is in line with various EP Resolutions (see further down) is currently being negotiated between the Council of Ministers, the Parliament and the Commission. It is a good

The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations, IFATCA, and the European Cockpit Association, ECA, are extremely disappointed to learn of the conviction of two Air Traffic Controllers in Switzerland. In April and December 2018, two air traffic controllers were

We all agree that European aviation needs skilled, talented flight crews to underpin the growing aviation sector. But where to find and how to attract them? The question is even more pressing now that airlines have woken up to the fact that the pilots queuing at their doorsteps, coming

What image do you associate with a “pilot”? Most likely, 9 out 10 would imagine a typical white, male pilot in a uniform. 

This image is so deeply engrained in our conscience that it has become an additional career barrier for aspiring female pilots. This barrier comes on top of the

Next year will be an election year: we will elect the new Members of the European Parliament and a new European Commission will be appointed. With the major political parties already in campaigning mode, it’s time to look at the achievements of the current Commission. And also to recall

Under the EASA Flight Time Limitations, the maximum flight duty period (FDP) may be extended by up to 2 hours at the Commander’s Discretion ('CD') or even 3 hours if in-flight rest facilities are provided. As explained in a recent ECA “SpotOn” guidance paper, this extension of a regular

The truth about pilot shortage is far more elaborate than what many in the industry are trying to portray. Factors such as the region, type of operation, experience level of the pilot group need to be considered each time we speak about “the pilot shortage”. 

So it’s time we stop talking

The relationship between the airline and Flight Crew is often compared to being married. When an airline goes bust, this marriage is destroyed overnight. So, with no time to grieve and vent frustrations pilots just need to seek a new relationship. Many of the pilots have worked for years

European pilots welcome the changes to the rules on wet-leasing arrangements between EU airlines and 3rd country carriers agreed upon by the EU Institutions at a ‘Trilogue’ meeting yesterday evening. The revised article 13 of EU Reg. 1008/2008 will allow the EU to lift the existing time

Base closures and fleet reduction by Ryanair – perceived in some quarters as a punishment for the lawful industrial actions by pilots and cabin crew – are seen as a declaration of war to the crew across the whole network. There is concern that this latest development will seriously