Public consultation on amending Aviation Act begins

The Ministry of Transport and Communications is requesting comments on the Government’s draft proposal for amending the Aviation Act and for related acts. The deadline for submitting comments is 3 April 2024.

The draft proposal aims to implement regulation on aviation as part the EU’s Fit for 55 package. Legislative amendments would designate competent authorities and their duties and lay down provisions on a penalty system.

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and the Energy Authority would be designated as competent authorities in respect of the EU Regulation on sustainable aviation fuels, and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom as the competent authority in respect of the EU Regulation on alternative fuels infrastructure.

Amendments are based on Fit for 55 Package regulation

The amendments would implement EU regulation. The Regulation on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport, known as the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, has been applied since 1 January 2024. The most important obligations imposed by the regulation will be applicable as of 1 January 2025. 

The obligations on aviation imposed by the EU Regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (the AFIR Regulation) will become gradually applicable. The obligations on the supply of electricity to stationary aircraft will be applicable as of 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2029.

According to the EU’s climate objective, emissions must be reduced by at least 55% by 2030. The Fit for 55 Package aims to amend EU legislation to comply with the 2030 target.

Next steps?

The deadline for submitting comments is 3 April 2024. All organisations and private individuals may submit comments online at www.lausuntopalvelu.fi. 

After the consultation process, the preparations will continue by public officials as part of their regular duties.

Inquiries:

Joona Huhtakangas, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 342 131, [email protected]