Airline industry bodies are calling for Europe’s air traffic management to cut emissions and be overseen any an independent regulator.
Iata and Airlines for Europe urged EU transport ministers to agree to recommendations at a meeting on December 5 to deliver specific environmental improvements and submit air traffic control performance to review from a regulatory authority.
Discussion are due to discussions focus on a 2020 proposal from the European Commission which calls for a fully independent regulator to assess the performance of the various European air navigation service providers – a suggestion rejected by member states.
The European Parliament, in line with the Commission proposal, has pushed for tougher regulation, but airlines fear a last-minute “unsatisfactory compromise” that will enable states to be judge and jury on the targets for their own air navigation service providers, how they should be monitored, and what their success will look like.
The two trade bodies argue that EU member states, fearful of the political consequences of upsetting powerful air traffic controller unions, have continually frustrated progress towards the safety, efficiency and environmental improvements that would be generated by the Single European Sky.
But they believe the need to find carbon emissions savings has generated new momentum for reform. Airlines support 2020 Commission proposals which includes a new and welcome opportunity to optimise flight trajectories.
Iata Europe regional vice president Rafael Schvartzman said: “Teams at the World Cup expect independent referees. Air traffic management should be no different.
“The 2020 Commission proposals were clear that countries shouldn’t be marking the homework of their own air navigation service providers – they should submit their performance to be judged by an independent body, setting transparent and efficient targets to help cut emissions and delays.”
A4E managing director Thomas Reynaert added: “At a time when politicians lecture aviation on a regular basis for its climate impact, it is outrageous that they refuse to push for reforms that could deliver up to 10% emissions reductions in European airspace.
“The upcoming meeting of EU transport ministers represents a chance to push for meaningful improvements.
“Europe’s airlines urge ministers to seize the opportunity and implement the European Commission’s proposals to achieve a good deal for member states, airlines and the environment. We cannot accept compromise for compromise’s sake.”