EU airspace is congested and fragmented and reforms are needed: European Commission

European Commission director general mobility and transport João Aguiar Machado, speaking at the CAPA World Aviation Summit, said (21-Nov-2014) EU airspace is congested and fragmented and reforms are needed in the way European airspace is managed. Mr Machado said an inefficient ATM system leads to higher costs for EU carriers. Mr Machado said the Single European Sky (SES) is expected to defragment the region's airspace, enhance safety standards, contribute to sustainable development and improve overall ATM performance. European Regions Airline Association director general Simon McNamara said pressure needs to be applied on implementing the SES with tougher targets and sanctions if targets are not met. European Low Fares Airline Association secretary general John Hanlon said consumers are paying the price of delays in the SES programme and increased public awareness of the issues would create pressure to move the programme forward. Dublin Airport MD Vincent Harrison said it is difficult to see a resolution to SES issues without further "pain" and more congestion may be experienced before issues are addressed. airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss said he sees no signs of the SES being implemented in the next five years.