Julian Moxon/PARIS

Eurocontrol's newly launched air-traffic management (ATM) strategy for the next century is already raising doubts among airline organisations. They are concerned about the agency's ability to overcome competing national priorities among the states which will ultimately implement it.

Although the aviation industry gave a cautious welcome to the new ATM 2000+ initiative when it was unveiled on 7 November, there were concerns over whether users would be adequately consulted in developing the final plan.

Eurocontrol had hoped to address such worries by taking the pioneering step of inviting airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers and military representatives from member states within the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) to take part in the working groups charged with developing the strategy.

European Regions Airlines Association (ERA) president Mike Ambrose welcomes Eurocontrol's "new way of thinking" but warns: "Until we see something unanimous on an agreed implementation programme, there is still a chance of chaos."

The Association of European Airlines (AEA)agrees, saying that, although the initiative is badly needed, actions will ultimately have to be implemented by each member state. "The question is - who will have the competence to carry out those actions?" it asks.

Val Eggers, chairman of Eurocontrol's ATM strategy board says that, while the ATM work carried out by Eurocontrol so far has been "extremely valuable", his initial review of the programmes now under way has revealed a "lack of co-ordination".

Ambrose highlights the "total failure" to co-ordinate the introduction of the new basic radio navigation standards, leaving openings for a variety of solutions to be introduced throughout ECAC - a situation he describes as "absurd".

The AEA also warns of the danger that the ECAC states may use the industry invitation to participate as an "alibi"for national experts to draft a policy that "-fits their views and needs and not ours".

Eggers says that the basis of consultation should become clearer after initial meetings have been held. He promises the first results by early 1998. The plan is to present the completed strategy to member states by the beginning of 1999.

Source: Flight International