Attempts to reform Europe's outdated air traffic management system have received a major boost with a decision by the Council of Transport Ministers to approve the European Commission's (EC) single skies plan.

Coming on top of the recent agreement that will see the EC admitted to Eurocontrol, this sets the basis for the implementation of single skies that aims to piece together Europe's fragmented air traffic control system; free up some of the airspace reserved for military uses, provide an improved framework for regulation and provision of ATC services, and generally modernise and standardise the way ATC is carried out.

Single skies now goes back to the European Parliament for a second reading and is intended to come onstream by the end of 2004.

The agreement of the EC member states was not a foregone conclusion, and a number of compromises had to be made to keep them on board. In particular, states have been left with a significant say in the design of functional blocks of airspace (FBAs).

The move towards a limited number of FBAs is the cornerstone of single skies and without it there is a danger that the project will essentially become an improvement on the present system, rather than the root-and-branch reform being demanded by the airlines.

The agreement of the national transport ministers is, nevertheless, a key step forward. Supporters of the reform process were keen to see the plan agreed under the six-month Danish presidency of the European Union which ended in December. Greece, which is much less sympathetic, takes over the presidency for the first half of 2003.

Greece, along with Portugal and France, has been among the member states most suspicious of the implications of single skies. "It is a remarkable achievement to reach this agreement in December," says Eurocontrol director-general Victor Aguado.

Provisions to ensure the separation of ATC services from regulatory authority have been diluted to meet French concerns, although the division of the two roles remains in place. France, the UK and Spain have also expressed concerns that they will place restrictions on military flying. A compromise was reached, in which member states agree to try, but are not obliged, to co-ordinate the use of military airspace.

Despite this, those with a stake in reform have broadly welcomed the progress that has been made. The association of European Airlines (AEA) made it plain that although it is aware there is still scope for member states to drag their feet, it is relieved that agreement has been reached.

"This is a major step in the right direction, and one which we have looked forward to for a long time," says AEA secretary-general Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus. But he adds: "There is much work to be done if the deadlines are to be met and the desired seamless control system is to be implemented."

The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), which represents corporatised ATC service providers, also welcomed the decision. "It lays the foundation for the integration and harmonisation of Europe's ATC systems," says Alexander ter Kuile, secretary-general of CANSO.

Eurocontrol, meanwhile, is working with the EC to set out the framework in which the two will work together. "The EC has given us a mandate to develop and implement regulations," says Aguado, who adds that the two sides are working on establishing the "practical nature" of single skies.

COLIN BAKER BRUSSELS

Source: Airline Business