Air traffic union concerned over recommendations on joint UK Irish airspace

Library

Air traffic union concerned over recommendations on joint UK Irish airspace

Prospect, representing 3,500 air traffic controllers and systems engineers, has expressed concern at proposals that would give NATS responsibility for controlling airspace around Dublin.



In return the Irish Aviation Authority will take responsibility for oceanic transition airspace to the west of the UK.

The proposals are published in an independent consultant’s report from the Solar Alliance, commissioned jointly by NATS and the Irish Aviation Authority, which was tasked with examining the scope for a Functional Airspace Block as part of the European Commission’s push for a `Single European Sky’.

One proposal identified by the consultants as the preferred option would transfer responsibility for terminal approach at Dublin airport to the NATS air traffic centre at Prestwick. In return the IAA would take on greater responsibility for the oceanic interface sectors in the north-west of Scotland.

David Luxton, National Secretary for Prospect, said: "At first sight this does not sound like a good deal for NATS or our members. NATS would stand to lose valuable revenue from the North Atlantic traffic, but in return would be taking on the terminal approach and surrounding airspace work at Dublin. Our fear is that it could become a lose-lose outcome for NATS – losing revenue and risking jobs.

"We support NATS being at the forefront of developing plans for jointly controlled airspace as part of the Single European Sky project. But this must be on the basis of proposals that would benefit NATS’ business, passengers and the staff we represent."

Luxton added: "UK air traffic control staff have gone through unprecedented change with privatisation and the financial crisis it caused, but have worked to ensure a remarkable turnaround. NATS are currently faced with another cash squeeze being imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority over the next five years, potentially covering the period of the formation of the NATS UK Irish Functional Airspace Block."

The union will detail its objections when it has had the opportunity to study the consultant's report in full.