North European Functional Airspace Block Agreement - entry into force

The State-level Agreement establishing the North European Functional Airspace Block (NEFAB) enters into force on 23 December 2012.

The Contracting parties to the Agreement – Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Norway – have now finalised their national procedures for approval and ratification of the Agreement.

The four States aim to improve performance in air traffic management in all relevant aspects. Results will be seen in the organisation of the airspace and of air traffic services, support services and technical systems. These measures will result in reduced flight distances, reduced delays, and reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. There will therefore be a number of benefits for all stakeholders concerned. 

The purpose of the NEFAB agreement is to meet relevant requirements in the Single European Sky legislation, which obliges the Member States to ensure efficient provision of air navigation services. Improvements are expected as a result of closer coordination and cooperation between Member States, relevant State authorities and service providers.

The legal bodies of NEFAB at governmental and authority level include the NEFAB Council as the supreme governance body, in which the transport ministries and defence ministries will participate. Three committees are charged with assisting the Council.

The first meeting of the NEFAB Council will take place in February 2013.  

More information on NEFAB can be found on the dedicated web site:  http://www.nefab.eu/