Dear Secretary of State,

Re: UK Government consultation on further privatisation of NATS

We are writing to you following the last meeting of the ETF Air Traffic Management committee. The two UK ATM trade unions, Prospect and PCS, are affiliated to the ETF.
We have been informed that the UK government is undertaking a limited consultation exercise with key stakeholders within a four week period.

The ETF and its affiliates would like to know whether, as part of the consultation process, the UK government will be consulting the governments of other European countries and the Air National Service Providers of those countries, given the fact that there are many joint projects on ATM delivery being carried out in partnership within the EU. It is our belief that given the nature of these projects, such as Single European Sky that you invited comments from EU ANSPs and governments before making any final decision regarding the future ownership of NATS. However we note that the consultation period is too short. We are therefore asking that you invite responses from other governments and ANSPs and to be able for any meaningful consultation to take place, the consultation deadline is extended to 5th September 2011.

In terms of the ETF view, it is our strong belief that the UK Government should retain its stake in NATS, in order to have a seat in the relevant forums that decide the future for Air Navigation Service Providers within the Single European sky framework. Whilst your position may be that the UK Government can retain its influence without this, it is our opinion that this would be better served by maintaining its stake.

The opportunity for a body, institution or company to buy the remaining stake creates an uncertain and unsettling future, and one that doesn’t necessarily serve a safety critical UK Air Traffic network.

Air Traffic Management means more to citizens than a market or a business. Quality ATM services are key to meeting citizen’s fundamental rights within the EU’s objectives of safety, cohesion, sustainable industry, full employment and competitiveness. ATM is a crucial part of the necessary State duty on safety.
Thanking you in advance for your support.

Yours sincerely,
Eduardo Chagas
General Secretary

Attachments:

File	Description	File size
ETF letter on further privatization of NATS		37 Kb