Responding to today’s consultation on the future of airport regulation, Andy Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive, said:

“It is widely agreed that the system of UK airport regulation has clearly failed and requires a fundamental restructuring. We welcome the Government’s desire to lead change and consult with the industry. There are three main areas which need re-thinking.

“Whilst we understand the Government’s desire to make the CAA responsible for economic regulation of UK airports, the CAA currently lacks the resources, expertise and, above all, credibility to be an effective regulator. It would be a high risk strategy to put so much more regulatory power into such an unproven structure.

“Furthermore, we believe that there needs to be a proper appeals process, which is glaring omission in the current system. The only body that has shown itself to be willing and capable of controlling the BAA airport monopoly is the Competition Commission, which should be promoted not marginalised in deciding which airports should be regulated.

“More generally, it is important that the focus of regulation is to ensure that the monopoly airports deliver an acceptable level of service and value to their customers. This means focussing on the needs of the airlines as well as passengers.”