Achievements

Free Route

Cross-Border Sectors

Following the establishment of DANUBE Functional Airspace Block (DANUBE FAB) the two partner States of Romania and Bulgaria implemented two cross-border sectors on 11 December 2014, the first time that cross-border sectors have been implemented under a FAB framework. In the two cross-border sectors, operational 24h a day, the States have delegated the provision of air navigation services to the national ANSP of the partner country – demonstrating the level of trust and cooperation between the two FAB partners.

The national ANSPs BULATSA and ROMATSA have therefore shared the provision of each of the air navigation services between them within the cross-border sectors. Above FL 245, air traffic services, communication services and surveillance services are provided by the cross-border ANSP, whilst navigation, meteorological and aeronautical information services continue to be provided by the territorial ANSP.

The first CBS (Sector DF 1), controlled by BULATSA over Romanian territory allows safe and efficient circumnavigation of a new military area close to the border and optimises descent procedures into two Bulgarian airports (Burgas and Varna). The second CBS (Sector DF 2), controlled by ROMATSA over Bulgarian territory, reduces transfer of control workload between ACCs, and increases controller’s ability to tactically control aircraft surrounding restricted areas. Both CBSs create more direct routes which have driven real savings in terms of distance flown.

The initiative has involved all DANUBE FAB stakeholders including the ANSPs, Militaries, NSAs and State Authorities on Transport. Through the experiences gained in establishing cross-border sectors, DANUBE FAB has developed a model approach to the aspects which need to be considered including: ensuring a sound legal basis for Air Navigation Services; reaching agreement on liability issues; determining a financial framework; and ensuring civil/military harmonisation.

Technical Rationalisation

TEN-T funding

DANUBE FAB submitted one of the few successful applications for Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) funding in the field of air traffic management (ATM) under the 2012 Multi-Annual Work Programme.

In the spirit of collaboration and cooperation, the DANUBE FAB ANSPs received TEN-T funds to assist the execution of studies and simulations to support the implementation of elements of FRA and Air-Ground Data Link (AGDL). The activities have been designed to determine the most cost efficient ways to implement these concepts, whilst optimising the benefits for all ATM stakeholders.

Lessons learned

1. Functional airspace blocks require a long term vision to understand how benefits are accrued.
2. Stakeholders need time to consider and assess the feasibility and benefits of common projects.
3. Guidance and support at European Union level is needed to help functional airspace blocks to implement innovative initiatives.
4. Successful functional airspace blocks projects to date have been those which utilise close geographical proximity i.e. upper airspace projects (cross-border provision of services and free route airspace) and rationalisation of communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS).
5. ‘Hands-on’, proactive approach to project management necessary to drive a ‘functional airspace blocks culture’, so sufficient areas of overlap are recognised between air navigation service providers, projects identified and implemented effectively.
6. Good communication, working relationships and understanding of the cultures involved between all stakeholders is vital.
7. Safety must always be number one priority.
8. The social dimension is important.

Inter-FAB Cooperation

An agreement between DANUBE FAB and FAB CE was signed in October 2015 to establish regular cooperation, especially in the operations, technical, training, performance and safety areas. This follows a similar agreement signed with BLUE MED FAB in October 2014. Collectively, these agreements form a triangle of cooperation for performance improvement in the South-Eastern and Central European region.