FABEC stakeholders strengthen cooperation to improve flight predictability and environmental performance

Representatives from the Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC), the airline community and EUROCONTROL met today at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport for the annual FABEC Strategic Operations and Environment Stakeholder Workshop.

The workshop brought together senior experts from air navigation service providers, airlines, the EUROCONTROL Network Manager and the Aviation Sustainability Unit to discuss how closer cooperation can improve operational predictability, efficiency and environmental performance across the European aviation network.

Participants exchanged views on initiatives to improve flight planning accuracy, enhance trajectory predictability and reduce unnecessary tactical interventions. A key focus was the reduction of the gap between planned and flown trajectories. More realistic flight planning and improved information sharing can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions while enhancing network performance and operational efficiency. 

Participants welcomed the open and constructive dialogue and reaffirmed the importance of strong cooperation between airlines, air navigation service providers and network stakeholders in addressing Europe’s operational and environmental challenges.

Niels Lokman, Chair of the FABEC Standing Committee for Environmentally Sustainable Operations and Head of Operations at EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC), said:

“Achieving more predictable and sustainable flight operations requires a shared understanding of operational constraints and opportunities across the aviation value chain. Today’s discussions demonstrated the strong commitment of all stakeholders to work together towards practical improvements that benefit airlines, air navigation service providers, passengers and the environment.”

The workshop concluded with a commitment to continue collaboration on initiatives supporting efficient, predictable and environmentally sustainable air traffic management across Europe.