It's a great idea and high time it was made compulsary. The EU needs to get its collective finger out and do something about it rather than pontificating over the shape of bannanas etc..
However, the airlines won't buy it, particularly in the UK because it will inevitably mean higher salaries for professionally qualified Ops Staff. It will bring to an end the situation that was reported to me recently, an airline at STN advertising for an Ops Officer.. salary £9500 per year. I DON'T THINK SO!!!!!!
(I am willing to be corrected on this one as its more a school leavers Ops Asst wage, but you see my point?)
As long as bean counters run airlines there will be severe resistance to professionally qualified Ops Staff. I say "professionally qualified" rather than "professional" because the vast majority of us are extremely professional, just not recognised as such.
Doc C