91997E3131

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3131/97 by Raimo Ilaskivi (PPE) to the Commission (13 October 1997)

Subject: Follow-up question on passenger seating space on airlines

In my written question of 24 March 1997 (E-1118/97) to the Commission ((OJ C 367, 4.12.1997, p. 80. )) I proposed the introduction of a directive on minimum seating space for air passengers, citing health reasons among others.

In her reply Commissioner Kinnock stated that the Commission does not regard a directive as necessary but 'will ... take up this matter through its regular contacts with the relevant operators'.

During the past year a number of airlines have reduced the legroom in tourist class. In the USA a medical study has been published which stresses the damage to health caused by being confined in a cramped space, referring inter alia to confirmed cases of heart attacks.

I should therefore like to know whether, and with what result, the Commission has contacted the transport operators referred to in its answer, and what importance it attaches to eliminating the health risks which are becoming ever more apparent.

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1997)

Like the Honourable Member, the Commission is concerned with the health and safety of all involved in air travel, including both airline staff and passengers. Community legislation already regulates the safety standards of aircraft operated by Community operators, and the Commission is satisfied as to the general safety of these aircrafts.

Minimum specifications apply to aircraft seat spacing in order to meet strict evacuation requirements. Beyond that, the Commission holds that this is a question primarily of comfort and does not believe there is any necessity, nor indeed any possibility, to propose legislation on the basis of safety provisions set out in the EC Treaty.

The increasing range of services offered by tour operators and 'no-frills' airlines is to an extent dependent on carrying the greatest number of passengers per flight, which may impinge upon individual comfort. It is for air users to decide their own 'trade-off' between comfort and price.

So long as the Commission has Cause for concern on safety grounds, it will not bring forward proposals. Nevertheless, the Commission will continue to advise relevant operators of the concerns that have been expressed to it, but it is for the operators, in their own commercial interests, to act upon such concerns.