The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) strongly welcomes the June 11TH proposal by the European Commission to strengthen and speed up the implementation of the Single European Sky. After over a decade of discussions, legislation and failed implementation, the Association says it is imperative that the EU and its Member States take action now to realize the benefits of an integrated and modernized air traffic management (ATM) system. Oliver Evans, TIACA’s Chairman, said: “We welcome the enhanced performance targeting scheme. More stringent EU-wide targets for safety, capacity, cost-effectiveness and environmental performance are required in order to ensure real improvements in the efficiency of air navigation services across Europe. This must, however, be accompanied by appropriate incentives and legal penalties in order to ensure compliance with the performance targets and avoid Member States focusing solely on their own national interests. “The proposal for greater flexibility and industry partnership in building the Functional Airspace Blocks should help create the basis for a more efficient air traffic management system. The completion of the Functional Airspace Blocks should nonetheless be carried out within a realistic, yet ambitious, timeframe, with appropriate penalties for non-compliance.” A modernized and harmonized air traffic management system for Europe will enable more direct and efficient routing and taxi routes, and eliminate wasteful hold-times in the air.  It is estimated that ATM enhancements could improve fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions by up to 12%. IATA estimates that cutting flight times by a minute per flight on a global basis would save 4.8 million tons of CO2 every year. TIACA also encourages the EU to proceed with the timely deployment and implementation of SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research), so as to ensure that the technology is in place, both on the ground and onboard aircraft, to match the necessary improvements in the air traffic management system. “Furthermore, as air transport is a global industry, we believe that the development of the Single European Sky should not take place in isolation, but rather that compatibility with other such schemes worldwide is required. This will ensure interoperability and greater efficiency at international level, and TIACA therefore urges governments to ensure that their approach to ATM systems be global in nature and reflect harmonized standards,” Evans added.