HS
I'm not against automation - anything to assist ATCOs is welcome. However I think we are a long way off having computers replacing ATCOs... not this century!
Assist yes, replace, no. As long as NATS et al listen to the customers e.g. ATCOs before bringing in new technology just for the sake of it. EFPS at TC springs to mind - I reckon it will come in, but that it will actually have an impact on capacity because of its shortcomings. This impact will not improve as it is the physical interaction between ATCO and system, not the intuitiveness or otherwise of the system.
Technology can be wonderful, if used correctly. Unfortunately some people (many within NATS) see shiny bits of kit and hollow promises and think that because it's new and automated, it must be better than what is already in place - not always true!!