Brussels,

Single European Sky

MOBILITY & TRANSPORT

Air Traffic Management in Europe is adapting to both sustained growth and unexpected challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes addressing airspace capacity issues causing delays and increasing costs and emissions.

The Single European Sky initiative and SESAR Project aim to improve ATM from safety, capacity, and environmental perspectives. The European Commission has involved Eurocontrol in congestion reduction and proposed structural changes for a more adaptable, environmentally friendly ATM system, with EASA playing a key role in performance review under the SES2+ reform.

EU Legislation

SES Performance and charging

The Single European Sky initiative focuses on improving air traffic management through these key elements:
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  • Performance and Charging Scheme: Regulates efficiency in safety, environment, capacity, and cost-efficiency.
  • Collaboration: Involves the European Commission, Member States, NSAs, and ANSPs.
  • Role of NSAs: Crucial in local implementation, development, control, and monitoring of performance plans.
  • Performance Review Body (PRB): An independent advisory group of industry experts assisting in scheme implementation.
  • Support from Eurocontrol and EASA: Provides assistance to the Commission.
  • Key Scheme Elements: Includes rules over reference periods, Union-wide and local targets in key performance areas, transparency in air navigation service charges, incentive mechanisms, and monitoring reports by NSAs analyzed by PRB.
The EU Single Sky Performance website is a repository for the performance and charging regulatory framework, including latest EC Decisions, PRB reports, monitoring dashboards and information on all related events.

Technical rules for staff, equipment and operations

The EU's legislative framework for air traffic management, rooted in the Single European Sky framework and the EASA Basic Regulation, focuses on ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of the European Air Traffic Management Network (EATMN). It encompasses requirements for staff, equipment, and operations, complemented by general rules for aircraft operation and necessary equipment within the Single European Sky airspace.

​It includes:
  • Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA): Implements common rules and ICAO standards for airspace use. The Single European Sky initiative aims to create a more integrated airspace in line with common transport policy. This involves establishing standard procedures for airspace design, planning, and management, ensuring efficient and safe air traffic management. A key aspect is the adherence of all participants to the standardized European rules of the air (SERA), as set out in  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, which aligns with ICAO airspace classification to maintain uniformity.
  • ATM/ANS Service Provision and Oversight: Harmonizes service provision with safety and security standards. Common rules for certifying and overseeing Air Traffic Management and Air Navigation Service Providers are vital for harmonized service provision across the EU, ensuring safety, performance, and security. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 sets uniform requirements for these services, covering organizational, technical, and personnel aspects, aligning with ICAO standards and practices. This regulation is integral in maintaining state-of-the-art aviation safety management. More information on the Common Requirements for ATM/ANS Service Provision
  • Airspace Usage Requirements: Addresses growing aviation demands for safe and efficient airspace use. The continued growth of aviation is placing increasing demands on the safe use of available airspace, thus increasing the need to use it as safely, effectively and efficiently as possible. A set of legislative acts have been developed at Union level to ensure common requirements to equip aircraft with the required constituents for the use of the Single European Sky and the associated operation rules.
  • ​Performance-Based Navigation (PBN): Enhances safety and efficiency in air traffic services. Performance Based Navigation (PBN) is a navigation method for aircraft based on specific performance requirements along air traffic service routes or in designated airspaces. It aims to enhance safety, capacity, and efficiency in air traffic management and air navigation services. Regulation (EU) 2018/1048 focuses on implementing PBN, setting deadlines for providers and aerodrome operators to adopt these practices, thereby optimizing route and approach procedures. More information on the PBN
  • Aircraft Equipment for Single European Sky: Regulates required equipment for operating in this airspace. In 2023, the Commission adapted and repealed eight SES interoperability implementing that stemmed from the SES Regulation (EC) No 552/2004, which itself was repealed by the EASA Basic Regulation. As a result of this adaptation, it was adopted a new regulation on common airspace usage requirements and operating procedures addressing requirements for aircraft that operate within the single European sky airspace to be equipped with data link services, voice channel spacing, and dependent collaborative surveillance.
  • ATM Ground Equipment Conformity Assessment: Ensures equipment safety, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness. In 2023, the European Commission introduced a new legislative framework for ATM/ANS ground equipment interoperability. This framework aims to enhance safety, ensure equipment interoperability, reduce regulatory burdens, and promote cost-effectiveness. It focuses on conformity assessment, including certification and technical specifications compliance, to reduce market fragmentation and encourage industry cooperation at the European level. The framework also includes rules for certifying ATM/ANS equipment and approving organizations involved in its design or production, in line with  Regulation (EU) 2018/1139.


The Network Manager

The Network Manager

The Network Manager of the Single European Sky, operated by Eurocontrol from 2020 to 2029, plays a crucial role in enhancing the operational and technological performance of the EU's aviation network.  Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/709.

It focuses on capacity and flight efficiency, managing both expected and unexpected challenges such as en-route delays and major disruptions. The Network Manager is also responsible for the European Aviation Crisis Co-ordination Cell (EACCC), which handles network crises like volcanic eruptions or pandemics.

This role involves coordination with various stakeholders, contributing significantly to the network's efficiency and recovery during crises.

The Network Manager's strategies and operations are detailed in annual reports, underlining its impact on improving ATM network performance. ​The strategic orientation of the Network manager is defined in the Network Strategy plan. This plan is implemented at operational level by the Network Operations Plan.

HOW TO ASSERT YOUR AIR TRAVEL RIGHTS

​Please be aware that the preliminary screening service of the European Commission offers general information to citizens about their rights under EU law during travel and guides on how to file a complaint. However, the Commission's services do not directly deal with complaints. Instead, complaints should be directed to the airline company and/or the relevant authority.
​European Commission’s preliminary screening service -> Enquiry form Air passengers
​To assert your air travel rights, you can take the following steps:
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  1. Contact the Airline: Initially, you should file a complaint directly with the airline you traveled with. This is often the first step in resolving issues related to lost, damaged, or delayed luggage, as well as other travel-related concerns.
  2. National Enforcement Bodies: If the airline does not resolve your issue satisfactorily, you can escalate the matter to the national enforcement body (NEB) in the country where the incident occurred. Each EU country has an NEB responsible for enforcing air passenger rights. Check: Document 1 - Document 2 - Document 3
  3. European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net): For cross-border disputes within the EU, you can contact the ECC-Net. They provide free advice and support to consumers in resolving disputes with traders in other EU countries.
  4. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Bodies: If the airline is a member of an ADR scheme, you can submit your complaint to the relevant ADR body, which offers a way to resolve disputes without going to court. First of all, check online if your airline is applaying the ADR procedure by searching online "Airline name + ADR" and following the instructions.
  5. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform: For disputes related to online ticket purchases, the EU’s ODR platform can be used to submit your complaint and find a neutral third party to handle the dispute.
  6. Legal Action: As a last resort, you may consider legal action, either in the courts of the country where the airline is based or in the country where the incident occurred, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.

Remember, it's important to keep all documentation related to your travel and any correspondence with the airline or other bodies, as this will be necessary for substantiating your claim.

EU case-law on Passenger Rights

Disclaimer

The information provided on this webpage regarding passenger rights is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it may not be comprehensive or reflect the most current legal developments. The details provided are based on the information available from the European Commission, and we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information.

Please be aware that transportation companies may have their own policies and interpretations of passenger rights which may not always align with the information presented here. As such, eEuropa Belgium cannot be held responsible for any discrepancies or differences in the application of passenger rights by individual transportation companies.

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Visitors are encouraged to verify the currentness and applicability of the information with the respective transportation companies and to seek professional advice as necessary.