Steep Approach
7th Dec 2001, 19:31
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Fragile Nats set to become the Railtrack of the skies
Financial Times; Dec 6, 2001
By IAN FINDLAY
From Mr Iain Findlay.
Sir, Your article "Air traffic company seeks early injection of capital" (December 4) illustrates the change in fortunes for UK air traffic control. It is with some regret that I say: we told you so! The trade unions, while opposing the flawed proposals to privatise National Air Traffic Services, told the government that if it was to proceed it should do so on the basis of a true partnership, not on the Treasury extracting the maximum price.
Nats is now financially fragile, having been saddled with huge debt because of the monies it had to pay the government. It cannot invest in infrastructure, despite the government claiming that that was the reason for the sale.
The new Scottish air traffic control centre is being delayed at a time when UK transport investment levels are being severely criticised.
Cost comparisons with public sector European providers are dangerously misleading; UK airspace is more complex and crowded than any on the Continent. At the same time, staff are being squeezed, engineering levels are to be reduced and a pension holiday is causing deep unease.
If the investment and operating noose is not slackened around Nats' neck, a "Railtrack of the skies" is imminent. It is time the Treasury learnt from the tragedies of the past.
Iain Findlay, Aviation Officer, Prospect, London SE1 7AQ
Copyright: The Financial Times Limited 1995-1998
Financial Times; Dec 6, 2001
By IAN FINDLAY
From Mr Iain Findlay.
Sir, Your article "Air traffic company seeks early injection of capital" (December 4) illustrates the change in fortunes for UK air traffic control. It is with some regret that I say: we told you so! The trade unions, while opposing the flawed proposals to privatise National Air Traffic Services, told the government that if it was to proceed it should do so on the basis of a true partnership, not on the Treasury extracting the maximum price.
Nats is now financially fragile, having been saddled with huge debt because of the monies it had to pay the government. It cannot invest in infrastructure, despite the government claiming that that was the reason for the sale.
The new Scottish air traffic control centre is being delayed at a time when UK transport investment levels are being severely criticised.
Cost comparisons with public sector European providers are dangerously misleading; UK airspace is more complex and crowded than any on the Continent. At the same time, staff are being squeezed, engineering levels are to be reduced and a pension holiday is causing deep unease.
If the investment and operating noose is not slackened around Nats' neck, a "Railtrack of the skies" is imminent. It is time the Treasury learnt from the tragedies of the past.
Iain Findlay, Aviation Officer, Prospect, London SE1 7AQ
Copyright: The Financial Times Limited 1995-1998