While autonomous ground operations continue to advance, efforts to reduce cockpit crews have faced regulatory hurdles in 2025. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has concluded that single-pilot operations during cruise cannot currently be considered safe.
Regulatory Findings
In June 2025, EASA published a report evaluating Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), also known as single-pilot flights during cruise. The agency determined that, with current technology, the safety of such operations could not be assured.
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Industry and Pilot Response
Pilot associations welcomed the findings, reiterating concerns that attempts to reduce crew sizes were primarily commercially driven and could compromise flight safety.
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Suspension of Research
Following the report, EASA suspended its investigations into single-pilot operations. The timeline for revisiting reduced-crew operations has been pushed back, potentially until 2030 or later, reflecting ongoing regulatory caution.
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The development highlights the aviation sector’s commitment to safety as autonomous technologies evolve, with regulatory bodies maintaining a cautious approach before approving operational changes in the cockpit.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: EASA
