Airlines

European regulator rules out single-pilot flying by 2030

Why there may soon be only one pilot on aeroplanes

A single pilot would be flying passenger jets instead of two, according to airlines and regulators. It would save costs and relieve pressure from crew shortages, but some people find it disturbing to place such authority in the hands of a single individual.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also been collaborating with aircraft manufacturers to develop guidelines for regulating solo flights and to assess how they would function. EASA stated that these services might begin in 2027.

The regulator is considering a proposal from European aircraft manufacturers Airbus SE and Dassault Aviation for solo flight during the cruise phase, which is less taxing than takeoff and landing but still requires at least two pilots to be in the cockpit.

Air India crew look: Colour grey hair; no to crew cut for males, females asked to avoid pearl earrings(Opens in a new browser tab)

Since the relaxing of regulations would permit pilots to rest during lengthy flights without replacements being on board, the aviation industry wants solo flying to help ease a challenging labor crisis.

An earlier industry plan for sole-pilot flying by 2030 was “absolutely not practical,” according to Andrea Boiardi, a manager with the regulator (EASA), because automation had not advanced enough and solo flight required a degree of safety similar to current operations.

The International Civil Aviation Organization, the individual airlines, and their pilot unions must all approve solo flying, even when on a cruise. Early this year, the U.N. organization is anticipated to start studying the issue.

Malaysia regains US FAA’s Category 1 safety rating(Opens in a new browser tab)

Boiardi stated that only the most sophisticated aircraft, outfitted with a higher level of safety than required by basic certification standards, could be utilized for solo flight in cruise. They might include Boeing 777Xs and 787s as well as Airbus A350s. In the first in-depth interview, EASA has given on the subject. EASA was soliciting opinions on the issue from airlines and pilots in a process that was anticipated to end in March.

Eventually, long-haul crews that currently required three or four pilots might be reduced to two, with both in the cockpit for takeoff and landing. If safety was established. However, even limited solo flying is causing friction between airlines and public unease while also igniting a growing opposition among pilot organizations like the European Cockpit Association.

Source:

Airlines

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

Top 10 Best Airlines in the World by AirHelp Survey

This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

India Offers $200 Million LOC to Nigeria for Tejas Jets

Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.