WRITTEN QUESTION E-0330/01 by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Delays by the Civil Aviation Authority in implementing international standards.
Date: 2001-02-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Greece, air safety, airport, civil aviation, infringement procedure (EU), international standard, technical regulations, technical standard

C 261 E/92

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.9.2001

Will the Commission say: To what factors does it attribute the delay in the transfer of OA?

In what respects have the conditions set by Decision 1999/332/EC and subsequently not been respected?

Who is responsible?

When is the transfer of the Technical Directorate in particular due to be completed?

(1) OJ L 128, 21.5.1999, p. 1.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(20 April 2001)

Athens(cid:146) new airport opened on 27 March 2001. Since then, the carriers which previously operated at
Hellenikon airport have transferred their activities to the new airport. The Commission has no information
at present to suggest that any carriers, including Olympic Airways, are experiencing operating difficulties
at Spata. Moreover, the Commission(cid:146)s information shows that the transfer of Olympic Airways(cid:146) Technical
Directorate to the new airport should be completed this year.

The Commission authorised the payment of aid to Olympic Airways by Decision of 14 August 1998 on
the basis of a restructuring plan covering the period 1998-2002. The Commission is in contact with the
Greek authorities and is following closely both the current restructuring process and the process by which
the company is being privatised, which began in December 2000.

(2001/C 261 E/096)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0330/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Delays by the Civil Aviation Authority in implementing international standards

According to Greek press reports, experts of the JAA (European Joint Aviation Authorities) have found
there have been long delays by the Civil Aviation Authority in promoting and implementing
that
international standards and regulations as part of the flight procedures (JAR-OPS), owing to the fact that
the Greek Ministry of Transport has failed to press ahead with the legislative framework for the
modernisation and incorporation of these standards.

1.

Can the Commission confirm these reports? If so, what measures does it intend to take?

Could this problem affect the proper functioning of the new airport of Spata and the beginning of

2.
operations there?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2001)

The Commission has indeed been informed of the doubts expressed within the international aviation
community as regards the abilities of those Greek authorities responsible for air safety to assume their
responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Moreover that question has already been put by Mr Hatzidakis, a
Member of the European Parliament (P-3217/00).

This is why it has initiated an infringement procedure against
for poor
implementation of the provisions of the regulations adopted by the Community in respect of aircraft
maintenance.

the Greek Government

18.9.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 261 E/93

As regards the other areas, such as that of the aviation operations highlighted by the Honourable Member,
where there are still no common measures, the lady Vice-President of the Commission responsible for
transport matters has drawn the attention of the Greek Government(cid:146)s Ministry of Transport to the
shortcomings pinpointed by both the Joint Aviation Authorities and the Civil Aviation Organisation and
the American Aviation Administration. In his reply the Minister stressed that the shortcomings were minor
in extent and could in no case affect air traffic safety. Moreover, he insisted that, since they had been
confirmed, appropriate action had been taken to remedy these quickly. The Commission has taken note of
this.

However, at this stage, nothing in the comments of which the Commission is aware enables one to think
that the placing in service and the operation of Spata airport could be affected.

(2001/C 261 E/097)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0331/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 February 2001)

Subject: Competitiveness of Spata airport

According to Greek press reports, the Spata Airport company has substantially increased rates for the use
of the premises and for its services and has also set far higher airport taxes than those in rival airports. If
the latter are added to the passenger taxes they will probably mean that the new airport is unable to
compete in attracting air traffic.

Does the Commission agree that the airport may find it difficult to be competitive and viable owing

1.
to its pricing policy?

2.

Are these increases in airport taxes and the new passenger charges justified?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 2001)

Decisions on the level and the structure of airport charges fall under the prime responsibility of the local
and national authorities concerned. Pending adoption of the Commission(cid:146)s proposal (1) for a Directive on
airport charges, the general principles of Community law may apply to measures in this field necessitating,
in particular, that charges are set in a non-discriminatory manner. No complaint has been forwarded in
this respect so far. On the basis of the available information the Commission is not in the position to
assess the implication of the proposed level of airport charges for the competitiveness of this airport.

In the absence of detailed information, the Commission is not in the position to evaluate whether taxes
and charges to be imposed at Spata airport are justified from the point of view of the air traveller.

(1) OJ C 257, 22.8.1997.