Air traffic chief defends safety

The UK's skies are becoming more crowded

As record numbers of British holidaymakers head abroad by air on Friday, the UK will become the first country in Europe to put the private sector in charge of air safety.

The spotlight will be on safety in the UK's crowded skies as a group of airlines is expected to complete its deal for a 46% stake in National Air Traffic Services (Nats).

The government maintained public private partnership (PPP) was the only way to secure enough investment to allow air traffic control to keep up with rapidly increasing numbers of flights.

Safety is a priority for Nats - it always has been, it always will be

Richard Everitt
Nats chief executive

But critics insist the battle to trim running costs and boost efficiency could jeopardise safety with disastrous results.

New Nats chief executive Richard Everitt has vowed that safety will always be the service's top priority.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Safety is a priority for Nats. It always has been, it always will be.

Efficiency drive

"It is of course also the priority for the airlines and the airline group that is now going into partnership with government in the ownership of Nats."

Mr Everitt denied that the drive for efficiency was a threat to safety.

"There is always a need to be efficient.

[Privatisation] is at best a distraction, at worst it could be dangerous

Paul Noon
Union leader

"But we will be ensuring investment in the system of around £1bn over the next 10 years as we grow the system to handle an increase in flights."

Opponents of the part-privatisation of Nats believe it will slow any impetus to consider putting a brake on increases in air traffic.

The UK is accused of having seven of the 12 worst air traffic "blackspots" in the world, the busiest and most congested air traffic areas.

Independent regulator

Mr Everitt insisted the newly-organised service would continue to deliver the "very high levels of safety we already achieve".

He added: "Our job is to increase capacity safely.

"The consequence of the public private partnership is that we now have an independent safety regulator in the Civil Aviation Authority whose job it is to ensure that we maintain and improve the levels of safety we operate to."

Paul Noon, general secretary of the IPMS union which represents controllers, said privatisation could prove to be "dangerous".

Wrong way

He said: "As we approach the busiest weekend of the year we don't think privatisation is the answer.

"It is at best a distraction, at worst it could be dangerous.

"We think the whole focus of Nats should be on moving aeroplanes safely and effectively. Privatisation is simply the wrong way to go.

"Now the airline group has been chosen we will try and work with them effectively."