Co-Operative Plans for EASA & EUROCONTROL

The European Aviation Safety Agency and EuroControl have established a co-operative plan for the improvement of aviation, focussing upon the implementation of the Single European Sky, with environmental protection, training and the development of the EU External Aviation Policy as priorities.

The co-operative plans will establish a common foundation, general framework and a programme on a formal basis, expected later this year.  There will be an evaluation of national civil aviation authorities’ mandates and the requirements of military airspace users in addition to overseeing the SESAR deployment.

EASA executive director Patrick Goudou said “the new framework is instrumental in the development of a more competitive air transport industry in Europe. EUROCONTROL believes this agreement will provide the optimal framework to combine the expertise and resources of the two European organisations, following the extension of EASA competences to ATM/ANS and aerodromes”

It is believed that EUROCONTROL will support EASA’s regulatory work with its air traffic and route management.

The new Single European Sky is a direct initiative borne from the heavy congestion over Europe.  Part of the directive spells the need for CPDLC capability in the cockpits to free up the airwaves.