EUROCONTROL in brief*
1960s – The history of EUROCONTROL
The aim of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation -EUROCONTROL- was to have an Organisation that would be entirely responsible for upper airspace in Europe. The original task set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, was to advocate the complete integration of air traffic services and plans were made for three international Air Traffic Control centers to be set up, to operate in the upper airspace.
The Eurocontrol International Convention relating to Cooperation for the Safety of Air Navigation was first signed by the representatives of Belgium, France, the Federal republic of Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on 13 December 1960 in Brussels. Today the Organisation counts 38 Member States.
Further to the 30.11.1988 dated and 3504 numbered Law, Turkey joined the Organization as the 10th member as from 1 March 1989.
Presently, the objective of EUROCONTROL is the development of a uniform
pan-European Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, perfectly embodied in the concept of a Single European Sky. By ripping the benefits of a fully integrated air traffic management system Eurocontrol also contributes to
making European aviation safer, more secure and more environmentally-friendly.
EUROCONTROL is driven by five strategic priorities;
Safety;
When traffic doubles, the risk is squared. As air traffic keeps on growing, efforts to maintain safety must be intensified to ensure that the number of incidents does not increase.
Capacity;
Travelers hate delay. With traffic growing fast the future air traffic management system needs a three-fold increase in capacity to avoid traffic congestion.
Efficiency;
In Europe those who fly bear the cost of air navigation services. EUROCONTROL’s contribution to a new air navigation system will save money. Efficiency gains are obtained by improving flight operations and better coordinating airlines, military users, airports and air traffic management bodies.
Environment;
Society expects sustainable air transport with minimal impact on the environment. Air traffic management professionals reduce this impact by designing fuel-efficient routes, better distributing traffic flows within the available airspace, and optimizing the calculation of departure times.
Security;
The current security level of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system has to increase to match threats, protect ATM operations and safeguard citizens’ safe mobility.
Pan-European Functions
EUROCONTROL has a unique position in Europe as it can take a pan-European view of air traffic management issues. With 40 Member States and a number of bilateral agreements with Europe’s neighbours, the Organisation has reach and influence over a wide area.
This pan-European position has several advantages; cost-efficiency, consistency, timely reactions, system-wide quality and more effective interactions between air navigation stakeholders.
These pan-European services are; air traffic flow and capacity management, collection of air navigation charges, air traffic and delay data analysis.
For more information about the Eurocontrol Organisation:
www.eurocontrol.int
* The abovementioned information has partially been quoted from the Eurocontrol web site.
