CANSO issues 'Madeira' Statement

The Statement focuses on the need for ANSPs to respond to the pressures facing aviation in the light of increasing fuel costs and an economic slowdown in some parts of the world. New focus on short term measures The Statement expresses concern over high oil prices and economic slowdown, and recognises the urgent need to support the airline community in their efforts to reduce costs. Consequently, CANSO Chairman Ashley Smout has called on members to engage airlines to jointly review their capacity plans, accelerate operational efficiency projects, identify further opportunities for improving cost effectiveness, and to consider maintaining or even reducing future charges. The Statement can be viewed in full at www.canso.org. Mr Smout said: This Statement shows that, in addition to our ongoing programmes aimed at creating greater capacity, safety and efficiency, CANSO is prepared to take short term measures to respond to the crisis facing the aviation industry in many regions of the world, and the Executive Committee intends to create a Crisis Action Team to see which points of the Statement can be delivered swiftly. Our customers have asked for help, and I am delighted that CANSO has been able to respond in a rapid and meaningful way. CANSO Secretary General Alexander ter Kuile said This Statement is a significant milestone in the history of CANSO. By voting to issue it, the members have chosen to make a stand alongside our customers, and to recognise the pressures they are under. The CANSO Secretariat will work closely with the Executive Committee and with customer representative organisations to ensure that this Statement is followed up by all possible means.