European Parliament approves single European sky proposals

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th Sep 2002

The European Parliament has today adopted reports on a package of proposals for Regulations designed to create a single European sky by 2004. The single European sky is intended to combat the heavy delays in air transport and safety concerns relating to over-congestion in European airspace.

The proposals aim to ensure a better use of existing airspace- for example using operational rather than functional blocks in airspace, increase safety conditions and separate regulatory functions in air traffic control from service provision.

"European citizens can look forward to a much safer air transport industry," said Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, who welcomed these measures. "A single European sky is essential for safety".