ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the air traffic control policy framework in Europe and its relation to regional airports. It also discusses the structure of the air traffic control market in Europe. The chapter focuses on the policy framework and more specifically on the Single European Sky policy that aimed to reshape the airspace and make the air navigation service providers more efficient. Airline liberalisation/deregulation led to substantial economic and traffic growth. Airlines complain about the high costs of en-route charges and terminal charges. Cost efficiency is quite critical for an airline – as well as for an airport – to compete and survive in such a competitive market. Various private companies with small costs of operation have contracts to operate towers at airports with low traffic in the United States. The remote tower centre, also known as a virtual tower, is the replacement of traditional control tower by an advanced sensor-based control centre.
