92001E1168

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1168/01

by Pere Esteve (ELDR) to the Commission

(19 April 2001)

Subject: Lack of air traffic controllers

European air traffic management and control is one of the major challenges which the EU has taken up. The move towards harmonising air traffic control means that proper training to cope with the new situation is required, given the significance of the human factor and the sheer importance of the work of air traffic controllers.

What is required is the introduction of a European air traffic controllers' diploma.

Furthermore, while current figures show that this highly specialised workforce is between 800 and 1 600 short of a total of 15 000, this situation is forecast to deteriorate in the immediate future due to the number of retirements coming up.

Given the new situation looming, what steps is the Commission going to take to deal with the lack of air traffic controllers and the need to update and provide suitable training?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2001)

The situation described by the Honourable Member was discussed by the High Level Group on the creation of the Single European Sky as one of the strategic issues to be addressed at the European level as a matter of urgency. The Group's report is available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/themes/air/english/single_eur_sky_en.html.

The Commission is currently preparing proposals to give effect to the report. These proposals will include measures to alleviate the shortage of air traffic controllers by stimulating training and mobility and to initiate the harmonisation of controller licences.