The commercial aviation industry, on a global scale, is in need of major overhauls in most every operational phase. From ground operations to often overcrowded skies, measures need to be taken, measures that would, at the very least, improve airline efficiency, and make the travelers experience a safer and more satisfying one.
Two new initiatives, being acted upon by aviation authorities in different parts of the world, may make some headway in improving efficiency and safety in the commercial aviation industry as a whole.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) region, there is growing concern over the ongoing growth in the aviation sector, and the air space congestion that could soon become problematic if not addressed now.
UAE’s governing body for the aviation industry, The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), recently called for increased cooperation among civil regulators, as an increase of 6% in air traffic movement in the air space shared by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman) makes addressing this imminent concern today an important priority.
GCAA Director-General Mohammed Al Suwaidi, addressing the Future Air Transportation Systems Summit in January 2015, noted that research is underway by the GCAA to formulate possible measures to manage the impending growth. He was optimistic that, through technological innovation and transnational cooperation, the GCAA would be able to handle this growth.
In Mexico, problems with overbooked or delayed flights, as well as baggage issues and other service concerns, have long been a problem. But perhaps soon changes will be made to assist in addressing these problems.
Congressman Teofilo Torres Corzo submitted an initiative to the Mexican Senate, a proposed amendment to sections of the Mexican Civil Aviation Law which addresses passenger rights as they relate to airline service providers, and the liability they must take responsibility for.
One key point in the initiative deals with flight delays, cancellations, and overbookings. This specific point calls for passenger compensation of no less than 50% of the ticket price if a flight, through the fault of the airline, is delayed more than 3 hours.
Another key point in the initiative deals with lost or damaged baggage and cargo, calling for current laws to be replaced by the initiative, thereby providing passengers better safeguards when it comes to baggage issues, enabling passengers to demand full compensation for any damage or loss of their baggage.
One more key point in the proposed initiative deals with ticket prices and sales. Currently, the authority to set rates and promote competition in the airline industry is regulated by Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation. The initiative would give the ministry more latitude, allowing the ministry to validate prior service rates, and to issue a certificate that outlines the opinion of the Federal Competition Commission.
There are groups and individuals that are tracking problems, progress, and potential solutions to many of these aviation-related issues, such as individuals like Shahram Shirkhani, the founding partner at the international law firm of shahram shirkhani and alavi. These individuals keep up-to-date on recent developments, and then provide this information to the rest of the civilian air travel sector for evaluation. Perhaps with such exposure, pressure may be put on organizations to indeed “straighten up and fly right”.
