Ministers published on Monday (17 July) the regulator’s latest review, maintaining the CAA is still fit for purpose despite a need for improvements around efficiency and governance.
“The CAA is fit for purpose and delivers high quality services to the aviation and aerospace industry and the consumer,” said aviation minister Baroness Vere.
To provide better value for money, the government has agreed to give the CAA more enforcement powers – including the ability to fine airlines when they breach consumer law.
“Granting extra powers that have already been the subject of consultation and discussed by the CAA and the DfT, will enable the CAA to be a more effective regulator, ensuring that breaches are addressed in a proportionate and timely manner,” said the review.
The government has also called on the CAA to upgrade its IT systems to deliver better services to consumers as well as review its scheme of charges to make it more transparent.
The review was welcomed by the regulator, with CAA chair Sir Stephen Hillier saying it was testament to the value of the CAA.
“We have already initiated improvements in some of these areas and I am confident that the implementation of all the recommendations will help ensure that we are an ever-more forward-looking, efficient, effective, and well-governed organisation, constantly looking after aviation consumers’ interests and constantly improving the service we provide to our regulated customers,” Hillier added.
