Perhaps our ATC people, so vocal on issues NAS ......
I have to take umbrage here. I (and others) have been shouting long and hard about airways charges and the charging regime, to any and all that would listen.
It's good to see the charging regime in the spotlight. Politics is
exactly what this is about.
You can clearly see where Dick's politics lie. Some lessons just have to get learned over and over again. Can anyone name an airport anywhere where the landing charges have reduced after privatisation? Where services got better? Next stage of the game: "Unprofitable" parts of AsA privatised (read; towers and RFFS). Enroute charges stay the same (or maybe some token reduction enabling claims of 'efficiency gain').
Govt. gets wad of cash up front for the franchise fee. Govt profit increases out of sight on the remainder of AsA (the profitable part that was previously subsidising the 'unprofitable' part).
Private charges at airfields (where compulsory services apply) gradually increase to more than what they were (but less than what is proposed now- enabling claims of better efficiency).
Users scratch their heads about diminishing service standards (profit orientated) and increasing charges. Years pass before anyone realises they were duped.
Sound familiar?