Close cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands

The Germans and Dutch are striving for even closer cooperation in air navigation services. On 23 November 2007, the CEOs of Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland (LVNL) and DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH signed a memorandum of understanding to explore options for more intense relations. This is in line with the EU's Single European Sky initiative which aims at triggering the future integration of air navigation service providers through cooperation. As a first step, LVNL and DFS will assess in great detail the fields of technical infrastructure, ATM staff and competences, operational procedures and airspace optimisation.

Not only will this consolidate the already flourishing cooperation between both organisations, it will also be a decisive step towards making Functional Airspace Blocks (FAB) a reality as called for by the European Union. This involves the creation of cross-border airspaces which are organised according to traffic flows, with the objective of promoting closer interaction between the participating air navigation services organisations.

LVNL and DFS are working on a joint feasibility study to establish a functional airspace block in central Europe (FAB EC) together with their partners in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland as well as the EUROCONTROL Centre in Maastricht. The other partners are also welcome to become part of this enhanced cooperation between LVNL and DFS, thus paving the way for FAB EC.