2021: Airbus and Dassault approached the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to explore the feasibility of single-pilot operations during the cruise phase of a flight, a concept known as Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO).
2021-2022: EASA established an informal expert group, including key stakeholders such as the European Cockpit Association (ECA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airbus. This group started an assessment of the feasibility and safety impact of single-pilot flights during cruise.
September 2022:
EASA commissioned a research consortium led by the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) to develop a risk-assessment framework for eMCO. This study, still ongoing as of 2025, examines flight safety concerns, including human factors, sleep inertia, fatigue management, physiological breaks and pilot incapacitation (RES.0028)
eMCO-SiPO Research consortium
October 2022: At the 41st ICAO General Assembly Europe/ECAC and manufacturers, represented by ICCAIA, proposed a formal work program on eMCO. However, the reaction from ICAO was lukewarm, signalling that global implementation would be challenging.
ICAO Working Paper on eMCO presented by manufacturers (A41-WP/991)
ICAO Working Paper on eMCO presented by EU (A41-WP/101)
December 2023: EASA outlined its approach in a Best Intervention Strategy and launched a call for experts to contribute to its future rulemaking group (RMT.0739), which will oversee regulatory developments on eMCO.
May 2024: Aircraft manufacturers advocated for the creation of an eMCO Job Card at ICAO's Flight Operations Panel, aiming to standardize procedures for single-pilot cruise operations. ICAO remains hesitant, however created a “
special Operations Sub-group" to enable further discussion on the subject.
June 2024: The Dutch Parliament unanimously passed a motion emphasizing that new aviation technologies should only be introduced if they enhance safety rather than simply reduce operational costs. This highlights ongoing concerns from regulators and pilot unions.
January 2025: EASA published its
European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS) 2025, outlining strategic priorities for aviation safety, including the development of a regulatory framework for eMCO. The EASA Rulemaking Task (RMT.0739) is expected to commence in Q1 2025 and will have a focus on developing a regulatory framework for the safe deployment of advanced flight deck technologies (smart cockpits).
2025: The final report from the Research consortium is out. The study concludes that “an equivalent level of safety between eMCO and normal crew operations can currently not be demonstrated.”
Tentative | September/October 2025: Manufacturers organisation ICCAIA expected to push again for Reduced Crew Operations at the 42nd ICAO Assembly
Tentative |
2027: EASA plans to consult stakeholders, including airlines, pilot unions, and passenger safety advocates, to gather industry feedback
Tentative |
2029: EASA plans to draft and publish a formal 'Opinion,' a legislative proposal with specific changes to EU safety rules. This will be submitted to the European Commission for review, followed by evaluation by an EU expert committee.
Tentative |
2030: Decision: If approved, the new regulations will be implemented across Europe, allowing for single-pilot cruise operations under specific conditions. The final decision could involve the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers, depending on the legislative process.
Ongoing research by NLR, DLR, Deep Blue, ADSE, and Dr. Ries Simons continues to examine risks such as pilot workload, fatigue, and incapacitation under eMCO conditions. These findings will inform regulatory developments.
Aircraft certification efforts are running parallel to the rulemaking process.
