The highly mobile nature of aircrew often makes it difficult to determine which laws apply to them in matters of employment and social security coordination. At the same time, recent developments in the aviation market have led to the emergence of new operational models — such as wet-lease agreements, employment through temporary agencies, floating bases, work via subsidiaries, and service contracts with self-employed pilots — raising important questions regarding enforcement and state regulatory oversight.

It is therefore essential to closely monitor developments in legislation and case law, both at EU level and within individual Member States, in order to safeguard aircrew rights.

The ECA has established a dedicated Legal Working Group that brings together legal expertise on these matters from across Europe.