Approved by Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport the resolution of Enac Board of Directors of November 7 on Operational guidelines aimed at providing airlines a reference framework aimed at managing acceptance, in passenger cabin Of pets weighing more than the current limits, up to 30 kg. “Let our people travel in the cabin animal friends full members of the family, has become reality, in implementation of the art. 9 of the Constitution, in compliance with animal welfare and new social and cultural needs. We are the first country to adopt a similar approach that does not consider pets as parcels” commented Enac President Pierluigi Di Palma.
The Guidelineswhich follow the document approved last May, incorporate the experiences gained with the former experiments which allowed the procedures to be validated in full compliance with flight safety. In fact, it was created by the company in mid-September ITA Airways and demonstration flightwhich was followed by expressions of interest from various airlines, with 2 dogs in the cabin. Also present on the plane were the Vice President of the Council and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, the President of Enac Pierluigi Di Palma and the President of ITA Airways Sandro Pappalardo.
“L’Enac – added President Di Palma – confirms its strong orientation towards meeting the challenges ofsocial evolutionconsolidates the culture of animal welfare in air transport and confirms the commitment to promoting innovative and inclusive solutions for the aviation of the future, thus giving a positive example to all other countries in the world”.
The Italian path and international recognition
Il Italian route was also presented in the field ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)during the 42nd General Assembly which took place last September, receiving attention and applause: an opportunity to highlight on the one hand the risks of transporting animals in the holdon the other to invite the international community to see them again standards in a more inclusive way.
Feasibility and safety of pets in the cabin
At the outcome of experimentsthe first evaluations indicated the concrete feasibility to place dogs up to 30 kg in cabin configurations commonly used in scheduled air transportwithout compromising the safety and comfort standards of passengers and pets.
New operational measures for domestic flights
With the introduction of specific operational measures e authorization requirements will be allowed – sui domestic commercial flights – the presence in passenger cabin Of companion animals of small, medium and large sizes, up to an overall maximum of six unitsin full compliance with the operational safety standards. The airline operators interested parties must comply with the Enac guidelinesadopting suitable procedures to ensure a safe and respectful travel experience for everyone.
Italy is an international point of reference
Enac will continue to monitor and update the provisions based on the results of experiments and of operational evidencewith the aim of consolidating the role ofItaly as an international point of reference In the air transport of pets.