1980 – 1990: Capacity challenges
The steady growth in air traffic in Europe and a lack of airspace capacity from the early 1980s onwards resulted in EUROCONTROL’s taking on a more active role.
According to a survey of the International Air Transport Association on summer journeys in 1981, 25% of the flights through southern and south-eastern Europe were delayed by air traffic services for an average of 33 minutes. 1987 and 1988 were marked by worsening delays for both leisure and business flights.
Although safety remained the most important issue, the organisation focused on increasing capacity and reducing delays. The European air traffic congestion crisis led to the decision to create the Central Flow Management Unit, the first centralised air traffic management unit and a milestone for European airspace integration.
EUROCONTROL’s membership increased during these years. The expansion was supported by the amended Convention in 1986. Despite economic downturns and fuel crises, by the end of the 1980s it was clear that the trend in air transport was one of continuous growth.
Timeline
1983
Horst Flentje becomes Director General.
January 1986
The amended EUROCONTROL Convention comes into power.
October 1988
The First meeting of the ECAC Transport Ministers on the Air Traffic System in Europe (MATSE 1) is held. The decision is taken to create the Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU).
1989
Keith Mack becomes Director General of EUROCONTROL.
