NATS Ireland plc
Ananova :
UK and Irish air traffic controllers consider partnership
National Air Traffic Services is in talks with its Irish counterpart, the Irish Aviation Authority.
If they can agree, they could make joint bids for lucrative air traffic control contracts.
Nats says the two companies have "agreed to investigate potential areas of co-operation, including closer co-ordination on European air traffic management opportunities, air space management, systems investment, business development and support services".
The joint study is expected to lead to an agreed implementation plan by the end of 2002.
Nats chief executive Richard Everitt says: "The European Union's Single European Sky initiative will lead to a significant restructuring of air traffic management over the next decade, similar to that experienced elsewhere in the aviation industry and many others.
"Because of their geographical position, the UK and Ireland are well-placed to play a key role in this process.
"Significantly, the new ownership structure of Nats gives us greater flexibility to collaborate with progressive, like-minded air traffic service providers and start a more co-operative, commercial approach that the industry demands."
Part-privatised last year, Nats has suffered from the big aviation downturn after the events of September 11.
The company has been given a £30 million Government loan to help cope with its difficulties.
Story filed: 11:35 Wednesday 1st May 2002
So we either take over the Irish CAA or we give them lots of airspace to play with and solve our staff problems.