EU Endorses Single Sky ATC Plan

European Union (EU) transport ministers have approved the Single Sky plan for harmonizing European air traffic management (ATM), clearing the way to meet an implementation deadline of Dec. 31, 2004. The six main components of Single Sky are joint management of airspace by national ATC agencies; establishment of national supervisory authorities; gradual integration of civilian and military ATM; synergy between the roles of the EU states and Eurocontrol; introduction of new technology; and improved coordination of human resources among ATC providers. The main benefit for operators should be simplified flight paths and ATC coordination across the continent’s airspace.