Government launches review of Civil Aviation Authority to strengthen regulator for the future

With a remit which includes everything from ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety and security, to the efficient use of airspace, space operations and protecting consumer rights, the Civil Aviation Authority is vital to the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in aviation and aerospace. The review will focus on:

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

This year the regulator celebrated its 50th birthday and has played a key role in the aviation sector’s recovery, as set out in a 22-point action plan to help minimise disruption in the sector and protect passengers. For years to come the regulator will also be crucial in ensuring the sector can modernise and innovate to meet the challenges of the future, while protecting consumer rights – as set out in the UK Governments 10-year strategy ‘Flightpath to the Future’.

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.”

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “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. He continued “We look forward to working in an open, transparent and collaborative way with Government to support this review.”

The review forms part of a wider programme looking at public bodies across Government, announced in April this year. It comes at a crucial time for the aviation industry as it continues its strong recovery from the pandemic and will also run in parallel, but entirely separate to, the International Civil Aviation Organisation safety audit due to take place. Flight simulation assessment will continue to be evaluated and shared by the CAA and FAA.

Jeremy Newman, an independent panel member at the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, will lead the review, which will run until Spring 2023.