Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04QUITO3202
2004-12-10 17:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Quito
Cable title:  

ECUADOR PREPARING TO MOVE FORWARD ON CIVIL

Tags:  EAIR PGOV EC 
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UNCLAS QUITO 003202 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PGOV EC
SUBJECT: ECUADOR PREPARING TO MOVE FORWARD ON CIVIL
AVIATION LEGISLATION

REF: GUAYAQUIL 1303

UNCLAS QUITO 003202

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PGOV EC
SUBJECT: ECUADOR PREPARING TO MOVE FORWARD ON CIVIL
AVIATION LEGISLATION

REF: GUAYAQUIL 1303


1. Summary. Ecuador's Congress is preparing for the second
debate on proposed civil aviation legislation sometime in
January. A legal advisor to the committee in which the draft
legislation is pending says a vote on the floor of the
Congress is likely sometime in February. The passage of this
legislation would represent a necessary step towards Category
I status under the International Aviation Safety Assessment
(IASA) program. The Embassy is pushing for passage of this
legislation and is working with the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation
Authority (DGAC) and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) officials to ensure that the final legislation will
meet security standards. Many special interests groups are
already lobbying on behalf of the legislation and urging
Congress to move as quickly as possible. Despite past
delays, we believe prospects for Congressional passage are
good. End Summary.

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Civil Aviation Legislation - Long Time Coming
--------------


2. Civil aviation legislation meeting international security
standards has languished in Congress since early 2003.
Several reviews and revisions have taken place since then.
In April 2003, the FAA reviewed the draft legislation and
provided feedback to the DGAC about necessary revisions to
meet FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA).
In the ensuing year and a half, FAA officials have met with
DGAC officials to provide additional guidance. The FAA
agreed to give the legislation a final review in December

2004.

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Let's Pull Together
--------------


3. The Embassy has been working closely with the FAA and
DGAC to ensure that Ecuador's legislation meets international
standards. In addition to the Embassy, many special interest
groups are lobbying for passage of this legislation. The
Congressional committee overseeing this legislation has
already received numerous inquiries from the DGAC, airline
associations, pilots associations, and other groups.


4. The Ambassador stopped over in Guayaquil en route to the
Galapagos and met with Nicholas Romero, Director of
Guayaquil's Airport, to discuss the legislation (Reftel).
She told Romero and Guayaquil Consulate officials that active
participation from stakeholders in Guayaquil would be
necessary for passage of the legislation. She urged them to
work together to present a united front in favor of passage.


--------------
Comment
--------------


5. We are cautiously optimistic that the Congress will pass
civair legislation early next year. Our key concern has been
making certain that the legislation passed actually meets
standards.
KENNEY