IATA backs UN efforts for international drone register, welcome by NZALPA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has backed the UN’s efforts to set up an international drone register.

It comes after hundreds of near misses from unmanned aircraft have been recently reported internationally. This call also has the backing of NZALPA with President Tim Robinson telling local media that this move would also provide vital information like who uses the drones and how frequently there are accidents and near misses.

Reuters recently reported that Airlines and airport operators are looking to drone registries, geo-fencing technology and stiffer penalties for operating drones near airports. They hope these steps will ensure flying remains safe as hobbyists and companies like Amazon.com Inc use more drones.

In Britain, the number of near misses between drones and aircraft more than tripled between 2015 and 2017, Reuters reported.

More HERE.

Possible changes in the Australian Civil Aviation Act

Last month the new Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack, said he was considering the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation act that was put forward by Dick Smith.

The Australian reported Smith’s proposals had been agreed to by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce, as well as his opposition counterpart Anthony Albanese.

The proposed changes involve the wording of the act itself, where it currently says the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has to “regard safety as the most important consideration” while regulating the aviation industry.

Smith has proposed the CASA be charged with making sure the “highest level of safety in air navigation”, as well as having consideration for “an efficient and sustainable Australian aviation industry”.

“You cannot rush policy outcomes, especially when it involves people’s safety. If changes are possible, they will be properly considered and broad consultation will be held before any decision is made” McCormack said.

These changes were designed to give support to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in Australia which has been described as slowly collapsing under the weight of the regulation.

For the full story, see HERE.

Ultra-long haul flights, the latest trend?

A new flight trend is beginning to brew in the aviation industry, ultra-long haul flights. This trend has sparked due to Qantas making history with its 17-hour flight from Perth to London.

Qantas recently launched a flight path from Auckland to Doha, while United Airlines also started a San Francisco to Singapore service. Both services clock nearly an 18 hour, one-way journey.

More extreme routes are already being proposed, with Qantas challenging Boeing and Airbus to build an aircraft by 2022 that will be able to fly fully loaded from Sydney to London, without needing to stop.

However, it has been suggested by Skift and The Financial Times that we are reaching a phase where airlines are wanting to launch longer and profitable flights, but are beginning to eclipse the human ability to withstand that much airtime, just to save a few hours.

For more information, see HERE.

Labour provision in FAA bill mirrors IFALPA's 'flags of convenience' legislation

The newly introduced US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Reauthorization Act 2018, will now include a provision that would bar European-based airlines from undermining local labour rights or standards if they wish to operate in the United States.

This mirrors the work IFALPA has done.

This move has been applauded by local aviation unions, including the iconic US International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ Airline Division.

Division Director Capt. David Bourne said that, after 18 months of hard work on their campaign the Flags of Convenience Don’t Fly Here Act, the Teamsters are pleased that House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) decided to include its language in the new FAA reauthorization bill rolled out late last week.

“The measure makes clear under the European Union-U.S. Open Skies agreement that labour standards shouldn’t be upended by foreign airlines, and bars the Department of Transportation from issuing an air carrier permit or an exemption from the rules to any EU provider. A ‘flag of convenience’ carrier is any foreign air carrier that is established in a country other than the home country of its majority ownership in an effort to avoid the home nation’s regulations.

“The Teamsters implore Congress to pass this provision so the rights of U.S. airline workers are protected.” Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.