Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure all those working on the airside of UK airports are qualified and trained to work on or near aircraft.

There are a large number of different roles undertaken airside at UK airports which require a wide variety of different qualifications and training. It is for employers to ensure that workers have the appropriate qualifications and training for their role. In relation to aircraft operators, European regulations require operators to ensure that all personnel assigned to, or directly involved in, ground and flight operations are properly instructed, have demonstrated their abilities in their particular duties and are aware of their responsibilities and the relationship of such duties to the operation as a whole. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) oversees operators’ compliance with this requirement.