Press Release: A decisive new step towards a single European sky: The report of the High Level Group on Air Traffic Reform

On 18.12.00, the European Commission presented the conclusions of the report of the High Level Group on Air Traffic Reform aimed at improving air transport performance and reducing the considerable delays currently encountered. Chaired by Loyola de Palacio, the Vice-President responsible for transport and energy, this group brought together the civil and military air traffic authorities, with the close involvement of social partners and industry. This report confirms the urgent need for a single European sky and advocates setting up the structures needed to create it by 2005. It proposes six main lines of action: joint management of airspace, a strong Community regulator, gradual integration of civil and military management, institutional synergy between the European Union and Eurocontrol, the introduction of appropriate modern technology and better coordination of human resources policy in the air traffic control sector.