The Performance Scheme of the Single European Sky
The Performance scheme of the SES is one of the key pillars of the Single European Sky aiming at achieving the general objectives of the SES as detailed in Article 1 of Regulation 549/2004. These objectives are:
- to enhance current air traffic safety standards;
- to contribute to the sustainable development of the air transport system; and
- to improve the overall performance of ATM and ANS for GAT in Europe, with a view to meeting the requirements of all airspace users.
The key provisions of the performance scheme are contained in Article 11 of the Framework Regulation which can be found in Regulation 549/2004 as amended, as well as in Regulation 691/2010 laying down the performance scheme for air navigation services and network functions.
By setting down EU-wide and local targets, as well as performance monitoring and corrective actions, the SES Performance Scheme aims at driving performance improvements in European aviation - initially in the fields of safety, capacity, the environment and cost efficiency.
The Performance scheme is organised around fixed Reference Periods (RPs) before which performance targets are set both at EU-wide level and National/FAB level. These targets are legally binding for EU Member States and designed to encourage air navigation service providers (ANSPs) to be more efficient and responsive to traffic demand, while ensuring adequate safety levels.
The first reference period (RP1) runs for three years from 2012 to 2014.
The second reference period (RP2) will be from 2015-2019, although currently the end date is still under discussion.
