Hillier made the plea during a keynote speech at the Farnborough International Airshow’s inaugural Aerospace Global Forum on Thursday (21 July). He said the association has "consistently" asked the government for stronger powers to look after consumers’ interests.
"There is nothing revolutionary here," he told delegates. "We simply seek equivalent levels of authority to what is already available to other regulators in the UK with similar responsibilities to look after consumers’ interests.
"Consumers’ expectations, and indeed the media’s, for what the CAA can do to protect passengers’ interests are running ahead of what is currently within the CAA’s authority to deliver, not least in a timely way."
Hillier’s comments come as the CAA marks its 50th anniversary. "I’m proud the CAA, through the tremendous efforts of our people, has been able to sustain its position at the forefront of aviation and aerospace regulation throughout this extraordinary half-century," he added.
He said the organisation’s main priority at the moment is to remain "relentlessly effective" in delivering its regulatory functions.
"That might seem obvious, but as the last two and more years have reminded us very clearly, keeping the show on the road day-to-day is not a given and we cannot for a moment forget the enduring importance of getting the basics right; and of having a properly resilient enterprise," Hillier continued.
"The CAA is acutely conscious of the impact on consumers from the current disruptions to air travel, and you will have seen the support and interventions that we have been making to help address the situation, working with government and the sector.
"But the importance of ensuring that aviation safety and security is not affected by this disruption remains at the forefront of our minds; and I know that’s a view held by everyone, across the sector."
