The review of the Air Carrier Liability Regulation is particularly important for travelling musicians and the transport of musical instruments. The inclusion of a dedicated article provides a clearer framework to be applied by airlines across the EU.
Benoit Machuel, General Secretary of FIM, the International Federation of Musicians says: "The text resulting from the compromise reached between Parliament and the Council confirms most of the progress we secured from Parliament in 2014. It ensures predictable transport conditions that meet the needs of professional musicians who need to travel by air with their instruments. This is a decisive step to support their mobility across Europe and beyond."
Anita Debaere, Director of Pearle*-Live Performance Europe, adds: “We welcome the protection of musicians and artists who depend on international travel for their artistic career and applaud the approach of the EU institutions to recognize the specific treatment required for musical instruments. We now look forward to an effective implementation of the regulation after the final agreement, including clear and visible improvements for travelling musicians.”
For around 15 years, FIM and Pearle* have worked together to map the issues faced by musicians travelling with musical instruments by air, including fragmented and inconsistent airline policies. This work began and continued as a joint effort within the European Social Dialogue Committee for the live performance sector.
Throughout this period, FIM and Pearle* have jointly advocated for more transparent and coherent rules for travelling musicians, while supporting their members with information on airline policies, practical guidance and travel tips.