UK Government Set To Review The Civil Aviation Authority

The independently led review will be completed in spring 2023.

The UK's Department for Transport announced Tuesday it was launching a review of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in order to "strengthen the regulator for the future." This is part of a wider program looking at public bodies across Government. The process will be led by an independent Lead Reviewer and key areas of focus will be the organization’s effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, and governance.

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Happy 50th!

The Authority covers everything from aviation safety and security to the efficient use of airspace, space operations, and protecting consumer rights. It celebrated its 50-year anniversary this year. Often with aviation, procedures and ways of operating that were once efficient may live on despite better options potentially waiting in the wings, so perhaps it is indeed due for a review.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said,

"Civil aviation regulation is the lynchpin of an industry which pre-pandemic carried millions of passengers every year, contributed £22 billion to our economy and supported nearly one million jobs. This review will ensure UK civil aviation regulation continues to be world-leading on safety, security, environmental considerations, economic regulation and consumer protection – and which often supports other countries in driving up global standards.”

Completed in spring next year

Meanwhile, this is not a review like when you have your taxes scrutinized. Or, at least, officially, it starts off on a positive note - "building on the organization's success in tackling the unprecedented challenges of recent years." It will be led by Jeremy Newman, an independent panel member at the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, and it will run until spring 2023.

The review will focus on the CAA's:

• efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its services currently, and for the future.
• role, form, function and delivery model.
• corporate governance and assurance mechanisms underpinning the organization.
• relationship with the DfT and how the two organizations work together to deliver a quality service for the UK.
• priorities match up to the Government’s wider objectives, taking into consideration its role as an independent regulator.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, stated,

"At the Civil Aviation Authority, we work tirelessly on our mission to achieve improvements in aviation and aerospace for consumers and the public. We welcome the opportunity this review presents to highlight the dedication, skill, and continuous learning culture of our organisation, whilst identifying any areas for improvement. It will help ensure that we continue to be a diverse, innovative, and future-focused regulator dedicated to improving aviation safety, security, and consumer interests and enabling a thriving aerospace sector."