Whilst I understand your feeling on this, and share many of them, I do believe that some of these feelings are a little 'head in sand'. That may sound brutal but its not meant to be. Front line operational ATC staff deliver the service - using equipment that has been designed, implemented, maintained, supported and developed by 'others'. It aint easy buddy!
What really needs to happen is establish how many support staff are required for core business and then what do we need to gain contracts worldwide - some of the people that do that will work at the CTC (I do not). The business (hopefully) grows which means new kit and fatter salaries. As far as new business goes we are sitting back a little too much and allowing Eurocontrol etc to do the work for us. Thing is, they are currently better at it. They use external contractors who's existance depends on the service they provide - like operational ATC staff. In NATS contracts can and do drag on for eons with no blame culture. They cost millions and ensure that we will not be considered for overseas 'whole package' (engineering and ATC) contracts by many ANSP's. Why should they when they can do it better themselves or get Eurocontrol to do it for them???
