European Parliament votes for safer flights and fewer delays
September 2, 2002 12:00 AM
All passengers will benefit from safer flights and reduced delays thanks to measures adopted today to create a ‘single European sky’.
Following the vote Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands, said: “For too long air traffic control has been run on the basis of national political borders – a system which encourages bottlenecks and delays in air traffic which simply does not make sense.”
Flight delays are responsible for blighting thousands of holidays each year and this legislation addresses the needs of passengers and will allow airlines to provide them better. Larger European air corridors will mean more direct routes and will increase safety by combating congestion in the skies.”
The MEP also dismissed claims by some trade unions that the proposals represent privatisation of air traffic control by the back door.
“Nothing in these proposals will force countries to privatise their air traffic control. Governments will remain free to decide whether these services are provided by the public or private sector. But each country must establish a strong independent regulator to ensure the highest possible standards of efficiency and safety.”
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