As the UK’s aviation regulator we work so that:

• The aviation industry meets the highest safety standards.
• Consumers have choice, value for money, are protected and treated fairly when they fly.
• Through efficient use of airspace, the environmental impact of aviation  on local communities is effectively managed and CO2 emissions are reduced.
• The aviation industry manages security risks effectively.

We are a public corporation, established by Parliament in 1972 as an independent specialist aviation regulator. The UK Government requires that our costs are met entirely from charges to those we provide a service to or regulate.

Most aviation regulation and policy is harmonised across the world to ensure consistent levels of safety and consumer protection. Worldwide safety regulations are set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and within Europe by the European Aviation Safety Agency.

We run the ATOL holiday financial protection scheme.

We also economically regulate some airports and certain aspects of air traffic control.

Our consumer panel acts as a ‘critical friend’ providing a consumer perspective on all aspects of our work.