1990 – 2000: Towards seamless European airspace
The 1990s was a milestone decade for EUROCONTROL.
In March 1996 the Central Flow Management Unit became fully operational, coordinating air traffic flows across EUROCONTROL’s 20 Member States at that time. The results were soon visible: by 1997, average flight delays were half those of 1989.
Centralised air traffic control promoted developments that would finally lead to the adoption of the Single European Sky initiative. The first of these was the launch of the European Air Traffic Control Harmonisation and Integration Programme (EATCHIP). By 1999, it had generated a 40% increase in European airspace capacity. Additional capacity was also created through the introduction of the 8.33 kHz radio spacing, which tripled the number of frequencies available for aviation.
A further step towards enhanced military and civil cooperation was taken in 1996 with the adoption of the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) concept, which offers equal access to portions of airspace for both civil and military users, as and when they need it.
In February 1997, the ECAC transport ministers adopted the ATM 2000+ Strategy, designed to promote new concepts and technological solutions for coordinated air traffic management throughout European airspace.
After the fall of communism, many Eastern countries joined EUROCONTROL, paving the way for pan-European airspace cooperation. To support this expansion, EUROCONTROL revised its Convention in 1997. As the 1990s drew to a close, the stage was well set for the new millennium that would see real progress made on the Single European Sky concept.
Timeline
April 1990
The European Air Traffic Control Harmonisation and Integration Programme (EATCHIP) is launched.
March 1992
The Airport/Air Traffic System Interface Strategy (APATSI) is initiated.
1994
Yves Lambert becomes Director General of EUROCONTROL.
March 1996
The Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU) becomes fully responsible for air traffic flow management across EUROCONTROL Member States.
March 1996
The Concept of the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) is adopted.
February 1997
Agreement is reached on the ATM 2000+ Strategy.
June 1997
The EUROCONTROL revised Convention is signed.
November 1997
The ATM Surveillance Tracker and Server System (ARTAS) is delivered to its first user, the Netherlands.
February 1999
The European Air Traffic Control Harmonisation and Integration Programme (EATCHIP) becomes the European Air Traffic Management Programme (EATM).
May 1999
European Transport Ministers agree to develop a new second-generation satellite system, Galileo.
October 1999
The 8.33 kHz channel spacing is introduced.
