20/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 15 March, the European Commission adopted an interim progress report on the SESAR Programme (a system to introduce a new generation of air traffic control systems) which enters its second phase in 2008 under the responsibility of a public-private body made up of representatives of the airline industry, Eurocontrol and the European Commission (see EUROPE 9374). The report will be submitted to EU Transport Ministers at their 22 March Council meeting. Commenting on the adoption of the report, the Vice-President of the European Commission with responsibility for Transport, Jacques Barrot, said the SESAR programme was developing as planned, demonstrating the strong commitment of all parties involved in updating air transport infrastructure. In a press release, the European Commission points out that a dozen companies have announced plans to join the common enterprise. (aby)