After a decade of talking, MEPs and the Belgian Presidency of the Council have agreed on new EU rules, which they believe will optimise flight routes, reduce flight delays and cut CO2 emissions.

The agreed text introduces performance plans for air navigation services to improve network management of EU airspace, with binding targets and incentives to make flights more efficient and environmentally friendly.

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A demand from MEPs during the negotiations was to open the possibility for competition in the air navigation services market, and the new bill includes the possibility for air-traffic service providers to procure other services, such as comms or weather, under market conditions.

However, reception for the deal from the aviation industry has been lukewarm. The European Regions Association (ERA) has stated that the deal ‘does not go far enough to address the needs of Europe’s regional airlines’.

Montserrat Barriga, ERA’s Director General commented; “ERA has continuously recognised the need for an ambitious and seamless Single European Sky, one that delivers for our airlines, our passengers and the environment. We are therefore disappointed that the final agreement appears to fall short of meeting these requirements. At first glance, several concessions appear to have been made which unfortunately reduces the likelihood of the substantial improvements that we have pushed for in terms of airspace capacity, operational efficiency and sustainability. It’s clear that further efforts will be required to address today’s aviation challenges effectively”.

The European Parliament insists that the deal will benefit passengers as it signals a move away from ‘nationalistic’ airline policies. Rapporteur Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romania) said: “Today’s deal signifies a shift towards efficiency and sustainability in air traffic management. The current nationalistic airspace architecture hampers progress, leading to longer flights, increased emissions, and unnecessary costs. It’s high time to finally prioritise efficiency over nationalism, to pave the way for safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly air travels in Europe.”