All aircraft using European airspace are facing the prospect of having to carry minimum levels of third-party liability insurance. Under European Commission (EC) proposals now being debated by the European Parliament, operators of aircraft of up to 25 metric tons mtow (55,115 pounds) would be required to have minimum cover
of approximately $109 million. This rises to $365 million for aircraft weighing between 25 and 50 metric tons (110,230 pounds) to $541 million for 50 to 200 metric tons (440,920 pounds) and to $810 million for aircraft above 200 metric tons.
The proposals have provoked staunch opposition not just from operator representatives, but also from government officials with European Union member states. The UK Department of Transport (DoT), for example, has protested against the inclusion of all noncommercial aircraft operators and has questioned the legality of applying the insurance cover minimums to non-European aircraft overflying the continent.
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