EUROPEAN COMMISSION

DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR ENERGY AND TRANSPORT

DIRECTORATE F - Air Transport
Air Traffic Management and Airports

SSC 15
3 February 2006
Item 5

SINGLE SKY COMMITTEE

23 February 2006

SES work programme 2006

- Submitted by the European Commission -

The Commission would like to present its indicative SES work programme for 2006 to the
SSC for information and for an exchange of views.

SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

TABLE OF CONTENT
1.

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 3

2.

THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK................................................................... 4

2.1. The Single Sky Committee................................................................................ 4
2.2. National Supervisory Authorities...................................................................... 4
2.3. Stakeholder consultation ................................................................................... 5
2.4. Social Dialogue ................................................................................................. 5
2.5. Military aspects ................................................................................................. 6
2.6. Eurocontrol........................................................................................................ 7
2.7. Support to operational changes ......................................................................... 7
2.8. Monitoring and reporting .................................................................................. 8
2.9. Performance review and benchmarking ............................................................ 9
2.10. Extending the Single European Sky.................................................................. 9

3.

SERVICE PROVISION............................................................................................ 11
3.1. Certification and designation of Service Providers......................................... 11
3.2. Safety regulation ............................................................................................. 11
3.3. Recruitment, training and licensing of personnel............................................ 12
3.4. Economic aspects ............................................................................................ 12

4.

THE SES AIRSPACE............................................................................................... 13

4.1. Lower airspace ................................................................................................ 13
4.2. Functional Airspace Blocks ............................................................................ 13
4.3. Flexible Use of Airspace ................................................................................. 14
4.4. Airspace classification..................................................................................... 14
4.5. Airspace design ............................................................................................... 15
4.6. Air Traffic Flow Management ........................................................................ 15
4.7. European Upper Flight Information Region ................................................... 15
4.8. Single AIP ....................................................................................................... 16

5.

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND INTEROPERABILITY................ 17

5.1. SESAR ........................................................................................................... 17
5.2. Research activities........................................................................................... 17
5.3. Interoperability ................................................................................................ 18

6.

ANNEX 1 STATE OF PLAY OF SES-IMPLEMENTATION................................ 19

7.

ANNEX 2 ACTIONS REQUIRED BY SES-LEGISLATION ............................... 23

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Single European Sky (SES) Work Programme 2006
1.

INTRODUCTION

The implementation of the Single European Sky package1 made good progress in 2005:

two implementing rules were adopted and published (common requirements and flexible
use of airspace);

the Committee delivered favourable opinions on 3 other rules which will be finalised in
early 2006 (airspace classification, co-ordination and transfer, initial flight plan), the
Committee is currently working on 2 implementing rules (charging scheme and flight
message transfer protocol);

the EP and the Council agreed on the ATCO-licence directive to be finalised in early
2006;

the Commission issued 7 new mandates to Eurocontrol; this means that Eurocontrol is
currently working on 6 draft implementing rules and on 2 other support measures;

More details are given in Annex 1. A list of all the implementing actions stemming from the
Single Sky Regulations is set out in Annex 2.
Furthermore, the SESAR definition phase was launched in November 2005 and the
Commission proposed a Joint Undertaking to manage the implementation phase. Finally, it
issued a communication on the future role of EASA in aviation safety including ATM.
The European Community represented by the European Commission contributed to the works
of Eurocontrol in particular by coordinated Community positions in the meetings of the
Provisional Council.
The Commission intends to progress further the implementation of the Single European Sky
in 2006 with the active help of all stakeholders who are invited to develop even further their
contributions. This Work Programme sets out the Commissions assessment of the various
steps to be taken in order to enhance the functioning of the Single European Sky. The
Commission has identified four priorities for 2006:
(1)

completion of the regulatory framework of the Single European Sky;

(2)

certification of ANSP by NSA against the common requirements;

(3)

substantial progress towards the creation of FABs;

(4)

SESAR (definition phase and decisions preparing for implementation).

Regulations EC 549/2004, EC 550/2004, EC 551/2004, EC 552/2004.

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2.

THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

The implementation of the Single European Sky requires the commitment from all
stakeholders. Air navigation service providers and other operators are responsible for
operational changes in consistency with the new regulatory framework, which is set up at
Community level with the support of Eurocontrol, while Member States ensure and supervise
the effective implementation by air navigation service providers and other actors.
2.1.

The Single Sky Committee

The Single Sky Committee is at the heart of the rule-making process. The Commission,
exercises the implementing powers conferred on it by the legislator, and submits to this
committee the measures to be taken with regard to policy and regulatory issues. Beside the 25
Member States being full members with voting rights, non-EU States participate as observers
thanks to aviation agreements (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland) or to accession treaties
(Bulgaria, Romania). Eurocontrol also attends the Committee to give advice.
2.2.

National Supervisory Authorities

Within the SES, regulatory and supervisory activities have to be separated from service
provision. An independent national body shall verify compliance of service providers with
Community requirements, including their certification, ongoing inspection and audit. 24
Member States and some observer states have notified their national supervisory authorities.
The Commission opened an infringement procedure against the outstanding Member State.
In June 2005, the Commission organised with the Dutch Ministry of Transport a workshop for
NSA-representatives to exchange views and best practices of NSA with a particular view to
the upcoming certification exercise.
The Commission intends to further support the setting up of national supervisory authorities
and the cooperation between NSA.
National Supervisory Authorities may rely on independent organisations for undertaking
inspections and surveys. Such organisations should have adequate structures and experience
to enable them to carry out their duties in a highly professional manner (see criteria for the
recognition of organisations in annex I of the service provision regulation). This will be
fundamental for the integrity of the Single European Sky and for protecting public interests.
While accreditation remains a responsibility for Member States, the Commission intends to
identify potential candidates and facilitate their recognition.
Actions:
For Member States to equip NSA with sufficient resources, grant accreditation to recognised
organisations to support NSA and ensure information flow between NSA.
For the European Commission to monitor compliance of the supervisory arrangements with
the regulatory requirements;

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For the European Commission in collaboration with Eurocontrol to envisage a follow-up
meeting for NSA-representatives to the Amsterdam workshop in late summer/early autumn to
take stock of certification exercise.
2.3.

Stakeholder consultation

Policy and regulatory issues will largely be driven by operational and technical
considerations. It is essential that the various stakeholders air navigation service providers,
manufacturing industry, airspace users, airports, professional staff associations contribute to
the development and introduction of new concepts and technologies in the European Air
Traffic Management network and on implementation measures.
The Commission has, in accordance with the Single Sky Regulations, set up the Industry
Consultation Body (ICB) which met 6 times in 2005. The ICB has the responsibility of
providing technical advice to the Commission on the implementation of the SES.
In this context, the ICB has given its advice on the prioritisation of a number of proposals for
mandates concerning particularly interoperability. It has been closely involved in giving
advice on the SESAR-programme for both the definition and development phases with
relation to cost/benefit analysis, governance and future ICB/SESAR relationships, while
providing advice on on-going Commission activities in the area of SES implementation.
The ICB is expected to play a major role in the achievement of the SES not only through the
consolidated industry position on Commission proposals, but also through the identification
of the expectations by industry for future developments.
Most of the implementing measures require technical preparatory work involving specific
ATM expertise. Eurocontrol will continue to conduct this work in such a way as to collect and
assess stakeholder positions, in particular through appropriate use of the Eurocontrol Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking Procedure and the various existing technical working groups in the
organisation.
Actions:
For the ICB to work towards providing the Commission with the longer term expectations of
the industry for the development of SES;
For the ICB to give advice on priorities for future mandates to Eurocontrol based on the
Gap Analysis and the ETSI inventory and proposed work programme.
2.4.

Social Dialogue

The social dialogue air traffic management working group deals with all issues having a
significant social impact. The objective is to organise timely and substantial consultation of
social partners and to develop action at Community level in support of service providers when
implementing the Single European Sky.
After the Palermo conference in September 2004, social partner organisations, the Civil Air
Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and the Joint Air Traffic Management Working

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Group (JATMWG2), focussed on functional airspace blocks and the particular contributions
of social partners to materialize the bottom-up approach. Joint positions were achieved in the
areas of institutional arrangements, consultation procedures, operational issues and just
culture.
The transformation of currently fragmented air navigation services into functional airspace
blocks will lead to different forms of cooperation between and integration of service
providers. Service providers can only initiate successfully such developments by involving
their staff appropriately, through a bottom-up approach in partnership with the respective
Member States. The social dialogue at Community level is to contribute to this process of
integration in different ways. Firstly, it should clarify the different roles of stakeholders in the
bottom-up approach. Secondly, social partners should anticipate and support the management
of organisational and technological innovations by creating a favourable environment through
intense dialogue, possibly including contractual arrangements.
The European social dialogue has to function in a reinforcing way at Community, regional
and company level. The foundations of an effective dialogue have been established in the
previous years, now this work should come to fruition.
2.5.

Military aspects

Following fruitful contacts with European military bodies on related military aspects to the
SES, the European Commission intends to develop relations and working arrangements in the
full respect of its remit, in the areas of:
- Civil military aspects of the implementing rules and associated work on Community
Specifications;
- Enhancement of civil military cooperation in adherence with respective policies and
programme, including SESAR and extension of EASAs competences;
- ATM security through consultation in the development of measures in response to acts of
unlawful interference against civil aviation;
- Collaboration in the extension of the SES to the neighbouring countries where the military
bodies concerned have specific responsibilities.
In order to support the implementation of the Statement by Member States on military issues
related to the SES, the European Commission will continue to initiate and/or improve
relationship with EURAMID (European ATM Directors Conference), EUMC (European
Military Committee) and NATO.

The JATMWG under the umbrella of the European Transport workers Federation (ETF) gathers, beyond
its own affiliates, members of the Air Traffic Control European Union Coordination and the professional
organisations of air traffic controllers and engineers.

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Actions:
For the European Commission to develop working relations with the appropriate European
military bodies on civil-military ATM related issues;
For the military to contribute actively to SES implementation in accordance with the
statement on military issues.
2.6.

Eurocontrol

The co-operation with Eurocontrol has been enhanced by the Communitys membership of
that organisation. With the adoption of the Single Sky legislation, Community competence
now covers substantially all elements relating to the management of non-military air traffic.
The Community contribution in Eurocontrols decision-making process aims at ensuring full
consistency between the Single European Sky initiative and Eurocontrols priorities. The
Community position is established prior to meetings of the decision-making bodies of
Eurocontrol, whilst maintaining a culture of open discussion in the preparatory technical
groups.
Together with other Eurocontrol members the Community and its Member States will
continue the process of improving the functioning of that organisation, ensuring full
consistency with the Single Sky legislation, and helping it focus on political priorities.
The Commission has concluded an administrative agreement with Eurocontrol, a framework
to assist the Commission in the preparation of implementing measures and in the monitoring
of their application. The co-operation agreement also aims at making the actions of the two
organisations complementary and mutually reinforced in other fields related to air traffic
management, such as research and development, satellite navigation, co-operation with third
countries and the production of statistical information.
Actions
For Member States to accomplish ratification of revised convention and accession protocol;
For European Commission and Member States to continue to co-ordinate the Community
position in the decision-making bodies of Eurocontrol;
For European Commission and Eurocontrol to implement and update the co-operation
agreement including funding arrangements;
For European Commission and Member States to continue to the adjustment of Eurocontrol
to the needs of the new ATM environment.
2.7.

Support to operational changes

The Single Sky initiative stimulates co-operation and consolidation of service provision and
of airspace organisation. Operational initiatives are a key for the success of the Single
European Sky initiative in order to create functional airspace blocks, consolidate service
provision, improve civil-military co-ordination, enhance interoperability and foster common
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development and introduction of new technology. Many service providers, together with
States and Eurocontrol, are actively involved in such initiatives. The Commission will
endeavour to support these activities by identifying, and if possible developing, ways in
which financial instruments can be put to use.
The trans-European transport network framework (TEN-T) already grants some funding to
ATM-projects. The next TEN-T programme (2007-2011) provides an opportunity to target
increased funding to SES projects, notably the creation of functional airspace blocks, SESAR
and subsequent implementation.
Likewise the research programme provides means to develop and validate the operational
functions and systems supporting a European operational concept needed to meet traffic
demand up to 2020. The ATM research that is proposed for inclusions in the forthcoming 7th
framework programme will be based on the work of the Advisory Council for Aeronautics
Research in Europe (ACARE)3 through the SESAR Development Phase (see also section 5.2).
Further opportunities arise from the SES legislation (Article 15(3) (e) of the service provision
regulation). Specific financial instruments could be used to support the investment necessary
to generate organisational and operational change in the ATM industry.
Actions:
For the European Commission to establish the Single European Sky as a priority issue in the
TEN-T Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (2007 to 2011);
For Member States to submit proposals to benefit from part financing of feasibility and
implementation of FABs under the ATM part of the TEN-T programme.
2.8.

Monitoring and reporting

In parallel with the development of the regulatory framework, the Commission must ensure
that the Single Sky Legislation is properly implemented by Member States. The Commission
will therefore use any available information, in particular the annual national reports provided
by Member States. If necessary, the Commission will use the legal means entrusted to it by
the Treaty to ensure that EU law is implemented. A first series of infringement procedures
was launched in 2005.
The Commission will start preparing its report to Parliament and Council due by April 2007
accompanied by appropriate proposals to adjust the current legislation. The Commission has
tasked Eurocontrol to conduct a factual review of the implementation of the Single European
Sky legislation in the European Union and associated States and to identify difficulties that
various stakeholders may have encountered in this implementation. In addition, the
Commission has asked the PRC to conduct an evaluation of ATM performance since the entry
into force of the SES package, analyzing how the main ATM issues are addressed by SES
regulations and suggesting any further improvement to achieve the objectives of the Single
European Sky.

ACAREs Strategic Research Agenda and other documentation are available on http://www.acare4europe.org .

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Actions:
For Member States to deliver their second national report for the period 01/07/2005
30/06/2006;
For Eurocontrol to perform the review and evaluation as requested by the European
Commission;
For the European Commission to ensure implementation of legislation and to start preparing
the 2007 report to Parliament and Council.
2.9.

Performance review and benchmarking

The framework regulation establishes the need for the performance of the air navigation
services system as a whole to be assessed on a regular basis at European level. The
Commission is required to develop implementing measures on this subject. To this end, the
Commission has mandated Eurocontrol to prepare implementing rules on performance
review. The final report is due by the end of February 2007.
Actions:
For Eurocontrol to draft an implementing rule under the mandate received from the
European Commission.
2.10. Extending the Single European Sky
The full potential of the Single European Sky will be achieved within an enlarged scope.
Negotiations have been undertaken with those neighbouring States of the EU which by their
geographical position fall within the natural boundaries of an extended Single European Sky
either within the context of existing bilateral agreements (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland) or
future multilateral agreements such as the European Common Aviation Area to be signed in
the first half of 2006. The Commission is also developing contacts with Mediterranean
countries (e.g. MEDA neighbouring programming) with a view to associating them with the
Single European Sky initiative.
Of particular relevance are the current efforts in South East Europe where the ECAA
Countries4 have agreed to the Commission suggestion to initiate a FAB approach in order to
overcome the current airspace constraints and to cope with the important growth of air traffic.
In February 2006, the participating States and supporting organisations under the political
leadership of the European Commission and the Stability Pact will decide on the launch of a
definition phase to develop possible FAB scenario(s).

Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, the former Yugoslavian
Republic of Macedonia and the UNMIK supported by Italy, Greece, the Stability Pact, ICAO, Eurocontrol
and NATO.

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The Commission is also intensifying contacts with the US, in order to align research efforts
and improve interoperability with a view to conclude a Memorandum of Cooperation in the
ATM area with the FAA.
The Commission is presenting this initiative in multilateral fora and organisations such as
ECAC and ICAO. In 2005, the Commission established a liaison officer at ICAO
headquarters in Montreal and it intends to enhance its contribution to ICAO-activities in the
field of ATM.
Actions:
For the European Commission to continue to build-up relations with neighbouring countries
within the appropriate institutional context to extend the Single European Sky, with the US in
order to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation and with international organisations, such as
ICAO and ECAC, to promote awareness and acceptance of the reform;
For the European Commission to manage politically the definition phase of the South-East
European FAB approach.

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3.

SERVICE PROVISION
3.1.

Certification and designation of Service Providers

The Commission has established common requirements for air navigation service providers in
20055. Eurocontrol has released guidance material for both NSA and ANSP. The publication
of the common requirements in the Official Journal triggers off the certification and
designation process. National supervisory authorities have 12 months to issue certificates,
with a possible six month extension in exceptional circumstances. Member States will then
designate certified air traffic service providers and possibly meteorological providers. The
mutual recognition of certificates throughout Europe will facilitate the cross-border provision
of services and is thus a prerequisite for the establishment of functional airspace blocks.
Actions:
For NSA to certify ANSP against the common requirements;
For Member States to designate certified air traffic service providers and possibly
meteorological providers and inform the Commission.
3.2.

Safety regulation

Eurocontrol has developed through the independent Safety Regulation Commission (SRC)
Eurocontrol Safety Regulatory Requirements (ESARRs) to lay down institutional, operational
and technical requirements for all actors. The Community has already transposed ESARR 2 to
ESARR 5 into its legal framework in order to contribute to their enforceability. Work on the
transposition of ESARR 1 on safety oversight in ATM has already started. ESARR 1
complements the common requirements and contributes to a harmonised approach towards
certification and supervision.
During the preparation of the common requirements, Member States, Eurocontrol and the
European Commission agreed to develop missing and to update existing maximum tolerable
probabilities in the context of ESARR 4. The European Commission will issue a mandate to
Eurocontrol to develop a risk classification scheme.
The Commission is committed to enhancing overall aviation safety, as witnessed by the
creation of the European Aviation Safety Agency in Cologne. In 2005, the Commission has
outlined the future extension of EASAs brief to ATM safety. It will prepare a proposal in
2006 on this further extension of EASAs competences.
Actions:
For the European Commission to work on transposition of ESARR 1;
For the European Commission to issue a mandate to Eurocontrol to develop a risk
classification scheme in the context of ESARR 4 and the common requirements;

Regulation 2096/2005, OJ L 335 of 21 December 2005, p. 13.

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For the European Commission to prepare a proposal on the further extension of EASAs
competences in relation to ATM.
3.3.

Recruitment, training and licensing of personnel

ATM is a labour intensive industry where staff competencies are paramount to achieve safety.
The European Parliament and Council will adopt in early 2006 the Directive on a Community
air traffic controller licence. Implementation of the directive needs to be prepared. In the field
of language proficiency requirements, Commission is seeking the support of Eurocontrol to
develop the appropriate assessment tools in due time to ensure that air traffic controllers will
satisfy the required proficiency levels. Furthermore, the introduction of the Community
licence also should give rise to the organisation of training on a more regional level, so as to
benefit from economies of scale.
Furthermore, the Commission will consider the necessity of extending training and licensing
to other professions in the air traffic management safety chain on the basis of an impact
assessment, beyond the standards laid down in the common requirements for the certification
of air navigation service providers.
Actions:
For the European Parliament and the Council to adopt the Directive on a Community air
traffic controller licence;
For Eurocontrol to develop the appropriate assessment tools for language proficiency and for
Member States to prepare the implementation of the Directive;
For the European Commission to finalise the impact assessment on the training and licensing
of other professions and draw appropriate conclusions.
3.4.

Economic aspects

Following the preparatory work by Eurocontrol and intensive discussions in the Single Sky
Committee and the ICB during 2005, the Commission will finalise the common charging
scheme regulation by seeking the favourable opinion of the committee and publish this
regulation as early as possible to allow all stakeholders to prepare for its entry into force. This
scheme should go beyond the current en route charging system by introducing harmonisation
of terminal charges and defining a mechanism for financing projects of common interest.
In accordance with article 12 of the service provision regulation, the financial accounts of air
navigation service providers have to comply with the International Accounting Standards in
order to ensure transparency and comparability.
Actions:
For the European Commission to finalise the common charging scheme;
For air navigation service providers to introduce International Accounting Standards to their
financial accounts.

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4.

THE SES AIRSPACE

An essential element to create a Single European Sky is reforming the way in which airspace
is organised and administrated today. The existing fragmentation, diverging rules and
resulting negative impacts on available airspace capacity are a major constraint to growth in
air transport. To support the required approach to a more integrated operating airspace and the
operation of the air navigation services as a coherent and consistent whole, several aspects
have to be improved in the way that airspace is organised.
4.1.

Lower airspace

In order to derive maximum benefit work will commence in 2006 to extend the application of
the concepts of Functional Airspace Blocks, common rules for route and sector design and the
European Upper Flight Information area with its corresponding aeronautical information
publication into lower airspace (see article 10 of the airspace regulation).
Actions:
For the European Commission to launch preparations on complete extension of SES to lower
airspace.
4.2.

Functional Airspace Blocks

The upper airspace has to be reconfigured into Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) with a
view to maintaining a high level of safety and achieving maximum capacity and efficiency of
the ATM network, thus contributing to the necessary consolidation and integration of the
airspace and the service provision. This is essentially a bottom-up approach driven by States
and service providers. The initial approach has to leave ample scope for variety in the nature
and extent of integration. The Commission expects Member States and service providers to
develop based on the requirements set out in the airspace regulation - implementation plans
for establishing FABs in their airspace. It will encourage and support such plans by
organising, together with Eurocontrol, appropriate guidance and reference material.
Furthermore, it may provide limited financial support under TEN-T funding (see section 2.7).
The Commission has been reviewing emerging FABs with a view to ensuring their
consistency with the requirements stemming from the Single Sky legislation. It plans to issue
a mid-term review during 2006 to take stock of the existing initiatives and to raise awareness
of the political level in order to keep the momentum created by the legislation. By the end of
2008, it will review the functioning of the bottom-up approach and propose, if necessary,
additional elements to enhance the establishment of FABs.
The bottom-up approach needs to be enshrined in a Europe-wide perspective to ensure
consistency between adjacent FABs. Eurocontrol could play a useful role in this regard due to
its expertise. Furthermore, the airspace regulation foresees the possibility for Member States
to request advice by the Single Sky Committee in case difficulties arise. At a later stage, and
building upon States experience (best practice), the Commission will develop common
general principles for the establishment and modification of functional airspace blocks by
issuing a mandate to Eurocontrol.
In various fora, the idea of common rules of the air within the Single European Sky has been
floated. Such common rules should allow overcoming current differences in the application of
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ICAO standards. The Commission is willing to launch a study in 2006 in order to assess the
underlying issues and to identify appropriate actions.
Actions:
For Member States and ANSP to make substantial progress in the establishment of FABs;
For the European Commission to publish a mid-term review in 2006;
For the European Commission to initiate a study on common rules of the air.
4.3.

Flexible Use of Airspace

Regulation No 2150/2005 of 23 December 2005 lays down common rules for the flexible use
of airspace. It defines operational and technical requirements for civil military coordination
regarding the use of airspace. As the Interoperability Regulation defines the support of the
progressive implementation of civil military coordination as an essential requirement for
systems and constituents, Community Specifications should be established to enable
compliance with the essential requirements stemming either from the FUA regulation or the
Interoperability regulation
Mandates will be given to Eurocontrol to develop:
- Detailed operational requirements for each level of airspace management and in
particular for cross border operations.
- Detailed operational requirements for the EATMN to ensure the timely sharing of
information on airspace availability between all users and to permit direct communication
between civil and military controllers when they are providing services in the same airspace.
Actions:
For the European Commission to mandate Eurocontrol to develop Community specifications
in support of the implementation of the FUA Regulation.
4.4.

Airspace classification

Airspace users face disparate conditions of access to, and freedom of movement within, the
Community airspace. This is due to the lack of harmonisation in the classification of airspace.
The Single Sky Committee approved in October 2005 an implementing rule on harmonising
the classification of airspace above Flight Level 195. Whilst the rule is expected to be
published in February/March 2006, work will continue with the harmonisation of
classifications below Flight Level 195. Due to the complexity of the issue in the lower
airspace this issue will require some additional reflection and is currently being prepared by
Eurocontrol on its own initiative.
Actions:
For the European Commission to publish initial rule on airspace classifications during spring
of 2006 and prepare the extension into lower airspace.

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4.5.

Airspace design

Route network and airspace structure cannot be developed in isolation, as each individual
Member State is an integral element of the European Air Traffic Management network. It is
essential to achieve a common, harmonised airspace structure in terms of routes and sectors,
to base the present and future organisation of airspace on common principles, and to design
and manage airspace in accordance with harmonised rules. The Commission has therefore
issued a mandate to Eurocontrol to draft implementing rules on common principles and
criteria for route and sector design in the upper airspace. Eurocontrol delivered in January
2005 a report and draft implementing rules, which the Commission has asked Eurocontrol to
develop further. Eurocontrol is expected to deliver an updated version during the first half of
2006.
Actions:
For Eurocontrol to deliver updated version of the mandated report during the first half of
2006 to allow submission to the Single Sky Committee.
4.6.

Air Traffic Flow Management

Independent studies and reports highlight the need to take adequate measures to improve the
effectiveness of air traffic flow management and thereby ensure efficient flight operations.
With a view to optimising available capacity in the use of airspace and enhancing air traffic
flow management processes, the Commission issued in 2005 a mandate to Eurocontrol to
draft implementing rules on air traffic flow management. An initial plan was provided by
Eurocontrol, which foresees that the final report would be delivered to the Commission by
March 2007. A regulatory approach document, describing the outline of possible different
options for the draft implementing rules and impact assessment elements, should be delivered
to the Commission in May 2006, after informal consultation of all stakeholders. The draft
implementing rules will be subject to a formal consultation process.
Actions:
For Eurocontrol to develop draft implementing rules under the mandate received by the
European Commission.
4.7.

European Upper Flight Information Region

The future single European Upper Flight Information Region (EUIR) will encompass the
upper airspace falling under the responsibility of the Member States and include as
appropriate airspace of other European countries. As changes to Flight Information Regions
have to be approved by ICAO, the Community and its Member States will jointly aim at the
establishment and recognition of the EUIR by ICAO.
Eurocontrol has been mandated to assist the Commission in the preparation for the
implementation of the EUIR. The final report, to be delivered by the end of 2007, will be the
basis for a Commission recommendation to launch discussions with ICAO.

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Actions:
For Eurocontrol to consider the institutional, legal, operational and technical requirements
to be fulfilled to implement the EUIR under the mandate received from the European
Commission.
4.8.

Single AIP

To overcome international inconsistencies and to improve efficiency in the publication of

aeronautical information, the realisation of a single aeronautical information publication
(AIP) relating to the EUIR is essential. The Commission, in close collaboration with
Eurocontrol, has carried out a study6 to examine the feasibility of such single publication.
While that study came to the conclusion that a single AIP was feasible, it also pointed out a
number of issues and diverging views between stakeholders on how to implement such single
AIP. Eurocontrol has therefore been mandated to further examine these issues and to coordinate the establishment of the single AIP.
Actions:
For Eurocontrol to work on the establishment of the single AIP under the mandate received
by the European Commission.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/single_sky/studies/finalised_en.htm

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5.

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND INTEROPERABILITY

Air traffic in Europe is forecast to more than double in the next twenty years. It is commonly
agreed that in order to sustain this traffic growth with a high degree of safety and efficiency,
the European ATM system will have to overcome a capacity barrier, and implement a
paradigm change. This technical and operational reform must be conducted with an
incremental approach, in order to take due account of legacy systems and operational modes.
The Single European Sky legislation provides the institutional, regulatory and financial
instruments which can ensure enforcement and appropriate synchronisation of technological
choices and technical systems developments.
5.1.

SESAR

SESAR (ex SESAME) was officially launched in 2005. The activity of the European
Commission in 2006 will be two-fold:
Ensure that the definition phase delivers the right output: the entire SESAR programme is
built upon the outcome of the definition phase. It is therefore of utmost importance that the
definition phase, being an unprecedented industry-wide effort successfully delivers a
Master Plan which is ambitious, since SESAR aims at developing the new generations of
ATM systems, but also workable, since an entire work programme will be built upon it.
Continue discussions with the Council and Parliament on the set up of the appropriate
management structure for the future phases of SESAR: it is important that these
discussions would enable this structure to be operational during 2007, in order to ensure a
seamless transition between the definition phase and its implementation.
Since SESAR is the technological component of the Single European Sky, the Commission
will continue to provide a systematic update on SESAR to the Single Sky Committee and the
ICB.
Actions:
For all stakeholders involved in the SESAR definition phase to develop a Master Plan;
For the Community Institutions to agree on the appropriate management structure for the
future phases;
For the European Commission to ensure that sufficient (RTD and TEN-T) funding is available
for the SESAR Development Phase in the next Financial Perspectives.
5.2.

Research activities

The Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) has published the 2nd
version of its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) at the beginning of 2005 with the aim of
defining the necessary research to be carried out in the next R&D Framework Programmes to
enable the system changes required for 2020 to be achieved. Air Traffic Management is seen
as a major factor in the efficiency of the air transport system and consequently has a
significant profile in the SRA. ATM priorities, deriving from SRA2, will be presented to the
Joint Programme Board of the European Commission and EUROCONTROL. These activities

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SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

will be coordinated with SESAR for the common EC/ EUROCONTROL research activities,
including FP7.
The definition phase of SESAR is in place and will define the European Air Traffic
Management Master Plan within the next two years, including requirements for performance
and operations, a technology roadmap, a proposed system architecture and a detail funding
and implementation plan. R&D resources will also be needed to support the air transport
system improvements that fall outside the scope of SESAR.
Actions:
For the European Commission to ensure the coordination of R&D is achieved keeping into
account the targets of the Vision 2020, making use of the SRA2 through the research
activities within FP7 and EUROCONTROL research.
5.3.

Interoperability

To support the creation of the Single European Sky, measures have to be adopted in relation
to systems, constituents and associated procedures with the objective of ensuring the
interoperability of the European air traffic management network consistent with the provision
of air navigation services. This will aim also at the co-ordinated and rapid introduction of new
agreed and validated concepts of operations or technology in air traffic management.
In order to achieve these objectives, interoperability implementing rules (IOP IR) shall be
adopted and Community specifications (CS) shall be developed. After the favourable opinion
of the SSC, the IOP IR on Co-ordination and Transfer (COTR) and the Initial Flight Plan will
be adopted by the Commission in 2006. The IOP IR on the Flight Message Transfer Protocol
(FMTP) should be presented in 2006 for the formal opinion of SSC and adopted by the
Commission. The IOP IRs on Air-Ground Voice Channel Spacing, Data Link and
Aeronautical Data Integrity should be drafted by Eurocontrol and presented to the SSC.
New mandates for IOP IRs on Surveillance Requirements and on Mode S Interrogator Code
Allocation will be issued to Eurocontrol.
Following the standardisation mandate M/354, ETSI has prepared an inventory and a work
programme on Community specifications. After consultation of the ICB, the Commission will
identify priorities for specific mandates to CEN/CENELEC/ETSI for the development of
European standards in cooperation with EUROCAE. The Commission should also issue
mandates to Eurocontrol for the development of specification. In parallel, the coordination
and synchronisation activities with SESAR will be initiated.
Actions:
For the European Commission to finalise the 3 IOP IRs;
For Eurocontrol to work on 3 existing and 2 future mandates;
For the European Commission to consult ICB on ETSI-report and issue specific mandates for
Community Specifications.

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6.

ANNEX 1 STATE OF PLAY OF SES-IMPLEMENTATION

a) Mandates to Eurocontrol for
Implementing Rules

Mandate
presented to
SSC

Mandate
submitted to
Eurocontrol

Draft IR from
Eurocontrol

IR 1st
discussion
in SSC

IR formal
opinion SSC

IR adoption by
Commission

Flexible use of airspace (FUA)

Feb 04

March 04

Jan-05

April 05

July 05

Dec-05

Airspace classification

Feb 04

March 04

May 05

Sep-05

Oct-05

Feb 06

IOP initial flight plan

March 04

April 04

March 05

Sep-05

Dec-05

April 06

IOP Co-ordination & Transfer

March 04

April 04

March 05

Sep-05

Dec-05

April 06

IOP Flight Message Transfer Protocol

March 04

April 04

March 05

Sep-05

Sept 06

Dec 06

Charging scheme

Feb 04

March 04

Nov-04

April 05

Feb-06

Mar-06

Route & sector design

Feb 04

March 04

April 06

June 06

tbd

tbd

IOP Data Link Services

May 05

June 05

Sept 06

Dec 06

tbd

tbd

IOP Air-Ground Voice Channel Spacing

May 05

June 05

July 06

Nov 06

tbd

tbd

IOP Aeronautical Data Integrity

May 05

June 05

Sept 06

Dec 06

tbd

tbd

Performance Review

Sep-05

Oct-05

Feb-07

tbd

tbd

tbd

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SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

a) Mandates to Eurocontrol for

Implementing Rules

Mandate
presented to
SSC

Mandate
submitted to
Eurocontrol

Draft IR from
Eurocontrol

IR 1st
discussion
in SSC

IR formal
opinion SSC

IR adoption by
Commission

Air Traffic Flow Management

July 05

July 05

Mar-07

tbd

tbd

tbd

IOP surveillance requirements

Feb-06

Mar-06

June 07

tbd

tbd

tbd

IOP Mode S interrogator code allocation

Feb-06

Mar-06

Oct 07

tbd

tbd

tbd

Safety: risk classification scheme

Feb-06

Mar-06

Mar-08

tbd

tbd

tbd

Mandate
presented to
SSC

Mandate
submitted to
Eurocontrol

Draft CS

Opinion SSC

b) Mandates to Eurocontrol for

Community Specifications

Flexible use of airspace (FUA)

June 2006

On-Line Data Interchange (OLDI)

June 2006

IFPS

June 2006

ATS Data Exchange Format (ADEXP)

June 2006

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Publication of the
reference in the OJ

SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

c) other mandates to Eurocontrol

Mandate
presented to
SSC

Mandate
submitted to
Eurocontrol

Report from
Eurocontrol

discussion
in SSC

decision on
follow-up

FAB-report

Feb 04

March 04

May 05

July 05

tbd

Airspace EUIR

July 05

July 05

Nov-06

tbd

tbd

Airspace Single AIP

July 05

July 05

Dec-06

tbd

tbd

d) other implementing measures

step 1

step 2

step 3

common requirements

Mar 2005 SSC-opinion

Publication OJ 21 December
2005

Certification of ANSP by
end 2006

transposition ESARR 1

preparing draft in cooperation with

SRU

presenting first draft to SSC

in March 2006

transposition ESARR 6

Work to start in 2006

extension of airspace provisions to External impact assessment study

lower airspace
in 2006

First Draft December 2006

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SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

d) other implementing measures

national implementation reports

step 1

step 2

Sept 2005 transmission national

reports

present synthesis and best

practices to SSC / ICB

preparation of Commission report to EP

and Council for 2007

Input by Eurocontrol in 2006

Interoperability
Community
specifications developed by European
standardisation
organisations
in
cooperation with EUROCAE
Interoperability
Conformity
assessment

general Mandate to ETSI M-354 in

July 2004

ETSI inventory and work

programme
Dec 2005

Guidelines in March 2006

Presentation to SSC in May

2006

Agreement between Parliament and

Council in June 2005

Formal Adoption Feb 2006

SESAR definition phase

Contract signed in October 2005

milestone 0 in Feb 2006

SESAR implementation

Commission proposal in November

2005

EASA-extension to ATM

Commission communication in
November 2005

ATCO-Licence

Commission proposal in 2007

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step 3

specific mandates to be
developed after
ICB-consultation
in March 2006

SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

7.

ANNEX 2

ACTIONS REQUIRED BY SES-LEGISLATION

Regulation/
Article/
Paragraph

Required action

Status report

Frame/5/1

The Commission shall be assisted by a committee, hereinafter

referred to as "the Single Sky Committee".

Operational, 14 meetings in 2004 and 2005

Frame/6/1

The Commission shall establish an Industry Consultation Body.

Operational, 8 meetings in 2004 and 2005

Frame/7/1

The Community shall aim at and support the extension of the

Single European Sky to countries which are not members of the
European Union.

On-going, CH, NO and IS are observers in the SSC.

BG and RO are observers through the accession treaties.
Other activities could take place under the ECAA or other aviation
agreements.

Frame/10/1

Frame/11/1

The Member States, acting in accordance with their national

legislation and the Commission shall establish effective
consultation mechanisms for appropriate involvement of
stakeholders in the implementation of the Single European Sky.

On-going, at different degrees

The Commission shall ensure the examination and evaluation of

air navigation performance, drawing upon the existing expertise
of Eurocontrol.

Work started in 2005.

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Commission uses mainly ICB, social dialogue, mandates to

Eurocontrol and impact assessment procedures

SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

Regulation/
Article/
Paragraph

Required action

Status report

SP/4/1

The Commission shall identify and adopt the Eurocontrol Safety

Regulatory Requirements (ESARRs)

ESARR 2-5 transposed by different Community acts, work on

ESARR 1 started in 2005, work on ESARR 6 to start in 2006

SP/5/1

As soon as possible after the entry into force of this Regulation,

the Commission shall present, if appropriate, a proposal to the
European Parliament and to the Council on the licensing of
controllers.

Proposal adopted in 2004, final adoption by European Parliament

and Council expected in early 2006.

SP/6/1

Common requirements for the provision of air navigation services

shall be established.

Publication in OJ on 21 December 2005

SP/13/3

Detailed rules relating to conditions for the access to relevant

operational data shall be established.

Pending

SP/14/1

A charging scheme for air navigation services shall be developed.

Discussion in the SSC started in spring 2005

Airsp/3/1

The Community and its Member States shall aim at the

establishment and recognition by the ICAO of a single EUIR

Mandate to Eurocontrol issued in 2005

Airsp/3/5

The Commission, in close collaboration with Eurocontrol, shall

co-ordinate the realisation of a single aeronautical information
publication relating to the EUIR.

Mandate to Eurocontrol issued in 2005

Airsp/4/1

The Commission and the Member States shall progressively work

towards the harmonisation of airspace classification.

Implementing rule approved by the Committee in October 2005.

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SSC 15 Item 5 WP 2006

Regulation/
Article/
Paragraph

Required action

Status report

Airsp/5/3

Common general principles for the establishment and

modification of functional airspace blocks shall be developed.

Work to start after first experiences of States.

Airsp/6/1

Common principles and criteria for route and sector design shall
be established to ensure the safe, economically efficient and
environmentally friendly use of airspace.

Mandate to Eurocontrol issued in 2004

Airsp/7/3

Where it becomes necessary to reinforce and harmonise the

application of the concept of Flexible Use of Airspace within the
Single European Sky, implementing rules within the context of
the common transport policy shall be adopted.

Publication in OJ on 24 December 2005.

Airsp/9/1

Implementing rules for air traffic flow management shall be

established with a view to optimising available capacity in the use
of airspace and enhancing air traffic flow management processes.

Mandate to Eurocontrol issued in 2005.

Interop/3/1

Implementing rules for interoperability shall be drawn up

whenever necessary.

On-going. 2 implementing rules approved by the Committee in

December 2005; 1 implementing rule almost finalised subject to
development of a Eurocontrol specification; Eurocontrol works
currently on 3 draft implementing rules

Interop/4/1

Community specifications may be established.

Work to start in 2006.

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