In a significant step towards modernizing Brazil’s airport regulatory framework, a recent study sheds light on the Brazilian Aviation Authority’s (ANAC) initiatives aimed at fostering a more responsive and intelligent regulatory environment. Led by Renata Resende Ramalho Costa from the Procuradoria Federal junto à ANAC, the research delves into the intersection of economic regulation and smart regulation principles, proposing a transformative approach for airport concessions.
The backdrop of this study is ANAC’s ambitious 2020-2026 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the need for regulation that promotes development and competitiveness without imposing unnecessary barriers. “Our goal is to create a regulatory model that not only ensures compliance but also encourages innovation and efficiency,” Costa explains. This vision aligns with the principles of responsive regulation, which advocate for a more adaptive regulatory framework that can respond to the evolving needs of the aviation sector.
Costa’s comparative analysis highlights the regulatory instruments currently employed by ANAC, juxtaposed with the theoretical framework of smart regulation pioneered by Neil Gunningham. While the study identifies several characteristics of smart regulation in ANAC’s initiatives, it also points out a crucial gap: the existing regulatory model does not fully leverage the techniques proposed by Gunningham’s theory. “There is a clear opportunity for improvement in how we approach airport concessions,” Costa notes, emphasizing the potential for enhanced regulatory modeling to drive commercial success in the aviation industry.
The implications of this research extend beyond the aviation sector, with significant commercial impacts anticipated for the energy sector as well. Efficient airport operations often rely on a stable and sustainable energy supply, and a more responsive regulatory environment could facilitate partnerships between airport authorities and energy providers. This synergy could lead to innovative solutions for energy efficiency and sustainability in airport operations, ultimately benefiting both sectors.
As Brazil continues to develop its airport infrastructure, the insights from Costa’s study could play a pivotal role in shaping future regulatory frameworks. By embracing smart regulation principles, Brazil can enhance its competitive edge in the global aviation market while ensuring that economic growth is achieved in a sustainable manner.
This research is published in the “Journal of Sectoral and Regulatory Law,” a platform dedicated to advancing understanding in regulatory practices. With ongoing developments in aviation and energy, the findings of this study could be instrumental in guiding future policies and strategies that foster innovation and resilience in Brazil’s critical infrastructure sectors.
