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What Future for European Air Traffic Control?

6 October 2008

A conference in Paris brought together over one hundred participants representing air traffic trade unions from all over Europe plus key actors and decision makers of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) arena. This is a vital time as the European Commission has tabled a second package of draft legislation affecting air safety and ATM.

After the welcome speeches by the French Director General of Civil Aviation and ETF French trade unions, participants heard from Daniel Calleja (Director of Air Transport in the Commission) who insisted on strengthening the performance of European air traffic, but acknowledged the need for consultation with air control staff and their unions.

Laurence King, ETF-ATM Group President, addressed the audience “We are ready to be involved in every area of the Single European Sky development, in forming European airspace blocks (FABs), in an expanded European safety agency (EASA), and in European lead technology change (SESAR), provided
the voice of controllers, engineers and other ATM staff is seriously taken into consideration”.

The conference also heard from major decision makers: Marie Desseaux (Canso, Director European Affairs) on behalf of air traffic employers urged ATM to show the outside world that we are striving to get the best performance. David McMillan (Director General of Eurocontrol) insisted on the optimization of the system at each level: national, regional and network. Gilles Savary (Member of the European Parliament – Vice President of the Transport Committee) gave a preview of the coming debate on SES II in the European Parliament.

Francois Ballestero, ETF Political Secretary, also focused on extending the licensing scheme to ATSEPS and on introducing the “Just Culture” concept inside of the legislation. Finally, he called for unity amongst all ATM staff organizations in this crucial period. He added that ETF is ready to play its role for the well-being of the employees.

The conference also reviewed the work taking place across such as the development of airspace blocks aimed at breaking down national airspace boundaries, and introducing considerable change.

The strong response from the audience showed how much European air traffic controllers and other ATM staff feel concerned by the current evolution and how much they want to be involved.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

François Ballestero
European Transport Workers' Federation
Rue du Marché aux Herbes 105, Boîte 11
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel: +32 (2) 285 4665
Fax: +32 (2) 280 0817
Email: f.ballestero@etf-europe.org
Web: www.etf-europe.org

Related documents:

Press Release Paris Conf 021008 (66kb PDF)

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