The Performance Review Body (PRB) has identified an EU-wide lack of capacity in the aviation sector, with the result that environmental underperformance continued in 2023, according to its annual monitoring report published on Wednesday 2 October.
By 2023, air traffic in the ‘Single European Sky’ Member States had recovered to 91% of pre-pandemic levels, but the capacity performance of air traffic management continued to deteriorate. Although financial resources were available, investment in staff and capacity projects by certain air navigation service providers was insufficient. This means that the increase in traffic following the pandemic could not be fully taken into account. This situation affects not only the Member States concerned, but the entire network.
The PRB recognises the challenges for air navigation service providers (ANSPs) posed by traffic flow changes linked to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. However, these service providers still need to improve their performance by investing in and organising the training of air traffic controllers. If carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner, these two elements will boost capacity. ANSPs would then be able to open more sectors, provide more sector-opening hours, and achieve higher throughput.
The PRB advises service providers to draw up ambitious plans that will enable them to provide their services adequately and cost-effectively. This should include strong incentives to achieve the targets.
Read the report: https://aeur.eu/f/dp6 (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)