During 2014, the ECA spoke out against the implementation of the recently-introduced multi-crew pilot licence, singling out the alleged negative impact on flight training via a greater reliance on simulators over real-world experience. In December 2016, the association critiqued the potential link between budget airlines and alleged reductions in operational safety margins. Over the following years, the ECA has supported industrial action amongst its members that are employed by the budget airline Ryanair, leading to a relatively confrontational relationship between the association and the airline. The EVA has also disputed claims of a pilot shortage, observing that such a shortage was frequently being used to justify weakening legislation to the detriment of its members.
