International air navigation

Air navigation is heavily regulated. International standards and quality criteria place requirements and objectives on security, capacity, operational development and quality, as well as cost-efficiency. As a service provider, Finavia plays an integral role in the international development of air navigation.

The list below contains the international legislation and development projects as well the organisations through which Finavia is actively involved in the development of not only European but also global air navigation:

1. The Single European Sky (SES) is a package of legislation that aims to create a Single European Sky.

EU matters relating to Finnish airspace are the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, although Finavia participates in preparatory work on issues, where appropriate, as an expert and by issuing opinions on the impact of proposals from a service provider's perspective.

SES legislation requires airspace to be available for all user groups on an equal basis.
Countries must establish Functional Airspace Blocks in which the provision of air traffic services is based on traffic needs.

Air traffic service providers are required to have a licence and the requirement for receiving it is satisfying the minimum requirements set for the organisation with respect to safety management and finances.
Air navigation systems and equipment must satisfy the compatibility requirements set for them and users must have access to timely information when necessary.

2. SESAR is an air navigation development programme launched by the EU that aims to develop the air navigation operating environment, practices and technical systems by the year 2020.

The programme's development phase will get underway during 2009. This will be followed by a deployment phase in 2014-2020. The focus of the SESAR project is on an operating model based on the needs of its main customers, i.e., air carriers.

The implementation of the project is being managed by the SESAR Joint Undertaking. Finavia participates in SESAR's development work through the NORACON consortium, which was set up by the other north European service providers (Finavia and the other members of NEAP, North European ANS Providers, including Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Estonia and Latvia and additionally Austrocontrol in Austria).

SESAR's objectives by 2020 include:

• tripling capacity
• a 10-fold increase in the level of safety
• a 10% reduction in adverse environmental effects
• a minimum of a 50% reduction (per flight) in the provision of air traffic services

3. North European Air Navigation Service Providers (NEAP) is a consortium of north European service providers which aims to develop a common operating environment.

The NEAP consortium comprises air navigation service providers from the Nordic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Ireland. The consortium creates a framework for identifying and disseminating those best practices that enhance and harmonise air navigation services among the eight member states.

The aim of NEAP is to harmonise operating models and air navigation technology solutions. The work aims to seek customer benefits, flexibility and improved safety, not forgetting cost benefits or the environmental perspective. Finavia's Matts-Anders Nyberg works as NEAP's Programme Office Manager.

4. The task of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, (EUROCONTROL), is to develop the air traffic service network and maintain the centralised service functions relating to it.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has authorised Finavia to manage Eurocontrol issues relating to Finland. Finavia also participates in the work of the expert groups working for Eurocontrol.

5. The ICAO is the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and Finland is an ICAO member.

The aviation authority is responsible for handling matters relating to the ICAO. Finavia assists the authority by participating, where necessary, in preparing and handling matters and by giving opinions on the matters under discussion.

From Finavia's perspective, monitoring the work of the ICAO and its development is important because legislation on air navigation operations, which are published in the annexes of the ICAO's Convention, must be followed in everyday service provision.

6. CANSO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, is a global cooperation organisation of ANS providers, and Finland has been a member of CANSO since 2008.

CANSO aims to promote cooperation between its members to provide a safe and cost-effective service based on customer needs.