EE System Implementation Delayed

The aviation industry applauds the EU's decision to postpone the implementation of its new border systems.

The aviation sector applauds the European Union's decision to postpone the implementation of the entry-exit system (EES), a biometric border control system, until following the busy summer of this year.

External EU borders, including those with the UK, will undergo biometric checks thanks to EES. However, contracting issues have pushed back the original debut date of May 2023 to the end of the current year.

Airlines for Europe (A4E), the International Air Transport Association (Iata), and the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe have all expressed their approval of the delay.

The organisations stated in a statement that EES would be a "game changer" in the administration of EU borders, but that a number of “challenges" needed to be handled to enable a seamless implementation of the system that would not inconvenience airline passengers.

According to the statement, the aviation sector is completely behind the roll out of EES and is devoted to collaborating with the EU and national agencies for an effective implementation of the system. Nonetheless, it is vital for the EU and state authorities to address particular concerns and ensure efficient cooperation for a successful system delivery. Moreover, there is a need for a public awareness effort to educate travellers from non-EU nations like the UK about the modifications and for "wider acceptance and successful implementation" of automation at frontiers.

Airlines, airports, EU and national authorities would have more time to overcome these difficulties and ensure the system is thoroughly tested if the deployment is delayed until after the busy 2023 summer months, the aviation organisations said.

“We therefore urge all those involved to make the best use of the extra time now available to address the outstanding issues and ensure enough resources are deployed for its introduction.

“A new start date for EES should be set to ensure continued smooth aviation operations and in particular trouble-free processing of passengers at airports. This will help deliver the time savings the European Commission identified as the biggest benefit of EES,” commented the aviation group.

Parties have been urged to continue preparing for a target launch date of "the end of 2023," even though the EU is expected to announce a revised roadmap for the launch of EES next month.

 

source: ttgmedia.com