The Single European Sky programme is a major driver for change in the way European states manage their air traffic control operations. In particular, European ANSPs are under an obligation to develop functional airspace blocks, requiring substantial airspace and structural changes. Similar FAB like activity is under consideration in other parts of the world. The concept development and planning requirements of these initiatives require specialist expertise.
NATS and Ireland's IAA are leading Europe in establishing the UK / Ireland Functional Airspace Block and have a significant amount of experience in analysing the business, operational and technical aspects with a view to expedient FAB creation.
NATS can help ANSPs realise the benefits of Functional Airspace Blocks, facilitate concept development and validation, and engage stakeholder groups to reach implementation decisions and plans. NATS support will include feasibility options and project definition, along with the environmental and commercial impact assessments.
Pre-feasibility
- Determining the potential for such operations to offer advantages to airspace users through the development of integrated ATM service delivery The impact of re-orientation of certain ACC control functions
- Facilitation of discussion by FAB members regarding ownership of the outcomes
- Determining the scope of detailed planning work
Feasibility
- Development and validation of the FAB concept and associated implementation plan
- Engaging with stakeholder groups to collect and respond to their feedback
- Reaching a Go/No-Go decision with FAB stakeholders
- Structural Reorganisation development plan
- Operations and Systems Implementation Plan
- Consolidated Business Case
Pre-implementation
- Feasibility and Options (F&O),
- Project Definition (PD),
- Airspace development activity.
- Organisational, economic and operational impact assessments
