Brussels, 27/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - In the face of incomprehension and opposition from national experts on the Single Sky Committee (SSC), on Monday 25 October, the European Commission withdrew its proposals on performance objectives for the Single European Sky, a programme which seeks to modernise air traffic management in Europe (see EUROPE 10241). These quantified objectives are set out in four areas (security, environment, costs and delays) and serve as a reference for national plans, said Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, adding that the performance targets were for the network as a whole - and, therefore, did not require member states to set the same objectives in their national plans. In a speech delivered on Tuesday 26 October at the opening of the European Aviation Summit, the commissioner did not conceal his disappointment: “Coupled with worrying feedback on the development of Functional Airspace Blocks, this negative outcome (from the SSC) shows that the implementation of the Single European Sky is at risk”. He said that, in these circumstances, he would “very quickly” approach EU transport ministers and the European Parliament. The Commission proposal, which would inter alia have brought a 4.5% reduction in the cost of European air navigation, with the costs of air navigation services alone currently estimated at some €8 billion, will be discussed by the experts once again on 2 December. The Single Sky and information on the SESAR technological chapter could also be put on the agenda for the next Transport Council which meets on the same day. Kallas also announced that, next year, the Commission would adopt an airports package which would revise and take stock of European airports policy. “The European air transport system will not maintain its leading position without the necessary infrastructure and the most efficient use of the existing infrastructure,” he warned. (A.By./transl.rt)