With recent strikes stranding passengers and hurting business, Europe's leading airlines are eyeing new rules and regulations designed to reduce the impact of future strikes as well as cut down on taxes.
According to the Associated Press, CEOs of Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Easyjet, Ryanair and the International Airlines Group (British Airways parent) met with European regulators in Brussels on Wednesday to express their concerns over the region's lack of progress in simplifying its air traffic control system.
The airlines are hoping to establish aviation rules comparable to those in the U.S.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary expressed support for early measures designed to reduce the likelihood of a strike by allowing workers to air their grievances prior to striking. O'Leary also recommended technology that could effectively replace air traffic control workers by allowing air space to remain open even if those workers are on strike.
Air traffic controllers argue the proposed rules would have a negative impact on passenger safety as well as their job security, according to the AP.
With strikes occurring much more frequently in Europe compared to the U.S., it's understandable as to why the continent's top carriers would push for rules similar to those overseas. However it's uncertain whether European regulators will implement the proposed changes.
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