Pearle* – Live Performance Europe and the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) welcome the Council’s general approach to the revised Air Carrier Liability Regulation on June 5, in particular the retention of Article 6e, which addresses the transport of musical instruments. This provision is essential to support the mobility of musicians and ensure appropriate handling of their instruments when travelling by air.

We particularly welcome the Council’s addition to Recital 29, which acknowledges that “musical instruments can be of immense monetary, artistic and historic value” and recognises that “musical instruments are the tools of musicians’ trade.” This important language underlines the professional nature of musicians’ travel and the irreplaceable character of their instruments.

However, to ensure the Regulation is genuinely fit for purpose, we call to improve the text, aiming to provide greater legal clarity and ensure consistent implementation across Member States, thereby improving the transparency and reliability of air travel for musicians. 

Pearle* and FIM remain committed to supporting a balanced and practical Regulation that guarantees fair and predictable travel conditions for musicians and other professionals in the live performance sector.