EASA safety agency updates airline passenger cabin cargo guidelines

Since 2020 EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency) has issued approvals and exemptions for the transport of cargo in passenger cabins on a case-by-case basis, which were time-limited until 31 July, 2022. Following a review of the operational context for the transportation of cargo in aircraft passenger cabins, the agency has concluded that the logistical challenges that arose in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 crisis “no longer exist to the same extent”.

In accordance with the Issue 6.0 of the Guidelines for Transport of Cargo in Passenger Compartments, EASA has therefore determined that the exemptions delivered in this context will not be extended beyond the current validity of 31 July.

The same applies for existing approvals that have been granted based on the use of the Deviation on transportation of cargo in passengers compartments. This Deviation can also not be applied to any certification projects for which the approval is issued after that date.