Single European Sky – EU rules on air navigation services (until 2026)

SUMMARY OF:

Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 on the provision of air navigation services in the single European sky

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION?

Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 establishes requirements for the safe and efficient provision of air navigation services for general air traffic in the European Union (EU) as part of the single European sky1 initiative. It is a binding regulation, applicable to all EU Member States.

KEY POINTS

The regulation outlines the air navigation service provider certification procedures to be adopted by the supervisory authorities of the Member States. Certificates, valid in all Member States, specify the rights and obligations of air navigation service providers. This includes access to services for airspace users2 without discrimination, and with particular regard to safety, and the possibility of offering services to other providers, airspace users and airports within the EU.

Requirements for certification

These include:

National supervisory authorities

National supervisory authorities in Member States are each responsible for designating a certificate-holder to provide exclusive air traffic services. They also ensure compliance for blocks of airspace under their control. This takes place jointly (or by agreement) if a block extends over more than one country, or if a certificate holder operates in more than one country.

If a provider does not meet the requirements, the authorities concerned can take action, including revoking the certificate. The authorities then become responsible for assuring continuity of service.

Functional airspace blocks

EU and non-EU countries, where appropriate, must by mutual agreement ensure the implementation of functional airspace blocks. These should have the necessary capacity and efficiency to maintain a high level of safety and reduced environmental impact. A functional airspace blocks system coordinator may be appointed by the European Commission to assist in this process.

National authorities may also designate an exclusive provider of meteorological services.

For general air traffic3, real-time operational data are exchanged between air navigation service providers, airspace users and airports, solely to facilitate operational needs. Approved written agreements are set up formalising working arrangements between service providers, and with military authorities.

The regulation requires open accounting procedures and lays out detailed guidelines for fair and transparent pricing of navigation services for airspace users.

Repeal

Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 will be repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 (see summary) as of .

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

It has applied since .

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

KEY TERMS

  1. Single European sky. An initiative by which the design, management and regulation of airspace is coordinated throughout the EU.
  2. Airspace users. Operators of aircraft used for general air traffic.
  3. General air traffic. Flights conducted in accordance with the rules and procedures of the International Civil Aviation Organization. These may include some military flights.

MAIN DOCUMENT

Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of on the provision of air navigation services in the single European sky (the service provision Regulation) (OJ L 96, , pp. 10–19).

Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

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