Airlines have been dealt a blow after a move to harmonise pilots working hours across the EU were rejected by the euro MPs.

 The vote by the EU and Transport and Tourism Select Committee was hailed by the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) but condemned by the aviation industry.

“We are really surprised after two years of consultation it can be rejected,’’ said a spokesman for the European Low Fares Airline Association, whose members include Ryanair and easyJet.



“There were penalties for airlines which we accepted because of the benefit of harmonising arrangements across Europe.”

Ryanair said it would monitor the situation and the British Air Transport Association voiced its disappointment.

Following the committee’s decision, a final decision now rests with a full session of the European Parliament within weeks.

The EU argued the changes were essential to ensure airlines in all 27 member states operated on a level playing field.

"This vote puts at risk key measures to improve aviation safety. Safety is the first priority for the EU and the sole objective of this revision,” said Siim Kallas, the EU Transport Commissioner.

“Pilot fatigue is a very serious issue and that''s why there are already strong EU rules in place.’’

Under the changes restrictions would have been tightened in some parts of the EU, but in Britain it would have led to pilots working longer hours.

BALPA’s concerns were shared by the all-party Transport Select Committee at Westminster.

It voiced fears the changes, would have led to a lowering of standards in the UK.

Jim McAuslan, the general secretary of the BALPA, hailed the decision.

“The commission must now go back to the drawing board and work with pilots and scientists to develop rules on flying time and tiredness that are based on evidence and expert experience.”
 

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