A6 Alliance criticises regulatory practicality of Connecting Europe Facility funding for ANSPs

A6 Alliance published (15-Mar-2017) feedback regarding the practicality of EU financial support for ANSPs, particularly for incentivising implementation of SESAR technologies. A6 stated the current regulatory framework:

• Does not generally incentivise ANSPs to invest according to the coordinated deployment roadmaps of the SESAR Deployment Manager. A6 stated ANSPs under its alliance have applied for Connecting European Facility funding "in anticipation of future corrections to the regulatory framework", as part of a dialogue based on constructive cooperation;
• Establishes airline industry subsidies which are "funnelled to the industry via lower air navigation charges". A6 cited the Performance Scheme EU No. 390/2014, which suggests air navigation charges shall be gradually reduced as a result of the implementation of SESAR envisioned operational benefits, and not achieved "artificially via industry subsidies";
• Discriminates ANSPs compared to airports in utilising CEF funds to implement SESAR. A6 stated this is counter productive as airports, in the current regulatory framework, are the "ultimate beneficiaries of CEF funding".

A6 called for future regulatory framework to ensure:

• A principle of non-discrimination amongst SESAR stakeholders on the handling of CEF funds;
• CEF funds are not utilised as EU subsidies towards the airline industry, but to invest in EU priorities such as the implementation of the European ATM Master Plan. A6 stated this will yield a "win-win situation through economic growth and sustaining European competitiveness";
• Corresponding regulations are changed accordingly to integrate the requested changes. [more - original PR]