Brussels, 25/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Confirming an agreement negotiated with the Council, the European Parliament adopted in a first reading on Wednesday 25 March, two reports from Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP-ED, Romania) approving implementation of the Single Sky II package. One of the reports focuses on the draft regulation on air traffic performance in Europe (614 votes in favour, 47 against, with 24 abstentions), the other is on the draft regulation extending the remit of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (662 vote for, 20 against, 11 abstentions) confirming the main provisions in the “Single Sky” for consolidating and modernising European air space (EUROPE 9690): 2012 as the final date limit for implementing Functional Airspace Blocks (FAB), implementation of a performance system for air traffic control and air navigation services; independence of national or regional air supervisory authorities. The compromise negotiated also includes the possibility of appointing a FAB coordinator and extending EASA competencies to all air security areas, including airports. The package enters into force shortly after its publication in the EU Official Journal (summer 2009) and is expected to optimise use of airspace in Europe by reducing flight times, C02 emissions and saving around €4bn by 2020.
In a press release, the Commission for Transport, Antonio Tajani declared, “We are sending a strong signal to our citizens, those working in the aviation sector and the industry itself. These proposals lead to a modernisation of air traffic management which will render air transport more feasible, more sustainable and safer." The rapporteur welcomed, “a step forward in the strengthening of Europe…after the common market, the Euro and the Schengen Area”. Mr Marinescu also indicated that by 2012, Europe would have a Schengen in the sky. In the meantime, the Council confirmed the resolution of the bilateral dispute between the United Kingdom and Spain, which since last September, has blocked adoption of its common position on the text and is soon expected to formalise adoption of the package.
Functional Airspace Blocks. Implementation of the functional blocks will allow for airspace to be divided up into operational requiremens, irrespective of national borders and is expected to be completed three years, at the latest, after entry into force of the regulation. The final date for their implementation is therefore summer 2012, as sought by the Parliament, rather than by the end of the same year as sought by the Council. So far, only two of the seven identified FABs have been notified to the Commission (EUROPE 9683). And two others have been agreed between the states making them up (a FAB between Portugal and Spain and the BleuMed between Italy, Cyprus, Malta and Greece). The text also stipulates the possibility of appointing a FAB coordinator, who, in the event of problems, is expected to facilitate FAB implementation and mergers. The text also clarifies the concept of common projects in air traffic control and air service provision, which could be eligible for Community funding. Block funding is also expected to be covered by the TEN-T budget, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and funds from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for greenhouse gas emissions and replaces airport charges as initially planned. Each member states should establish a national supervisory authority - an independent body (from the state and air navigation service providers), which will be in charge of ensuring implementation of the target on security and performance and awarding compliance certificates to air navigation service providers, as well as carry out inspections and investigations and devising national and regional performance plans. The package also includes the implementation of performance schemes for air navigation services, based on valid international standards throughout European airspace. The targets will be defined by the European Commission and Eurocontrol European Organisation for the safety of Air Navigation, which will also fulfil the role of examining body. The European Aviation Safety Agency will now have competency for safety compliance certification in all public airports (with the exception of military aerodromes and all small aerodromes who landing strips are under 800 meters long), Air Traffic Management Systems (including military planes flying over civilian airspace) and Air Navigation Systems. The regulation on the Agency's remit also established essential common standards for these three areas. In order to improve the use of airspace, the text also opts for better cooperation between civilian and military aviation authorities. The latter are also represented in the Single Sky committee, which assists the Commission will be represented in the industry consultation body. (A.By.trans/rh)