The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will play a larger role in ensuring seamless Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Air Navigation Services (ANS) in support of the Single European Sky initiative. The aviation safety authority aims to enhance efficiency, consistency, and the overall evolution of aviation operations in the European region.
New Regulations – A Synopsis
On September 15, the European Commission revealed a new regulatory framework for ATM/ANS. This consisted of five key regulations strategically designed to improve the interoperability of systems and elements essential for ATM/ANS provision. The official documentation, based on EASA Opinion No 01/2023, is published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
A significant aspect of these regulations is the strengthening of EASA’s role. The ATM/ANS equipment is now incorporated into the EASA certification framework. This inclusion ensures a consistent management approach, considering every element potentially impacting ATM/ANS service performance.
EASA’s Perspective on the Milestone
Expressing his views on this notable shift, EASA’s Acting Executive Director, Luc Tytgat, said, “This publication marks a key milestone for the modernization of the European air traffic management system,’ said EASA Acting Executive Director Luc Tytgat. ‘For the first time, there will be a single EU regulatory framework covering all aviation domains on the ground and in the sky, driving the transformation of the air transport system”
Harmonization and Its Advantages
This new framework introduces standardized requirements for certifying or declaring ATM/ANS equipment. It also establishes procedures to approve entities engaged in the equipment’s design or production. The primary intention is clear: having a unified and universally accepted methodology to demonstrate compliance for equipment vital to ATM/ANS services.
The European aviation market will experience heightened ATM/ANS equipment efficiency by addressing past interoperability issues. The outcome? Enhanced safety, security, and efficiency in the European ATM network operations across all flight phases.
Furthermore, these changes accentuate the critical role equipment suppliers play. It’s a call for them to introduce effective solutions that align with the desired operational performance standards.
Emphasizing Industrial Standards
The newly introduced regulations don’t stop at enhancing operational efficiency. They aim to underscore the significance of industrial standards in showcasing compliance with the Single European Sky’s specifications. EASA is actively collaborating with industry stakeholders to facilitate the seamless execution of these measures.