EASA To Roost in Cologne, Germany

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is to be headquartered in Cologne, Germany. The decision was confirmed during the European Union summit meeting on December 13 and 14.

The new agency is not expected to complete the move to Cologne until the end of this year. It is currently operating from a temporary base in Brussels, Belgium. Following last year’s protracted and contentious selection process for EASA executive director Patrick Goudou, the nomination of four divisional directors is now imminent.

EASA began operations on September 28, and is progressively taking over certification and regulatory responsibilities from the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAAs). In early December EASA issued its first type certificate (see above story) and at press time was set to issue further type certificates for three versions of General Electric’s CF90 engines, namely the GE90-110B1, -113B and -115B.