EUROCONTROL Performance Review Commission:10 years of improvements to ATM performance

The PRC was created in 1998 in order to introduce a strong, transparent and independent performance review and target-setting system to facilitate more effective management of the European air traffic management system. The PRC is an independent body which has four key functions: reviewing the performance of the European ATM system, proposing performance targets, analysing the cost-effectiveness and productivity of air navigation service providers, and developing guidelines for economic regulation. Over ten years, its reports have played a key role in prompting significant improvements in ATM performance, especially in the areas of safety, capacity and delays, flight and environmental efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Speaking at the ceremony, David McMillan, Director General of EUROCONTROL, paid tribute to the foresight of the policymakers who in adopting the ECAC Institutional Strategy in 1997, introduced a performance-based approach which has become established practice in Europe. A performance-driven ATM seems set to be further reinforced in the forthcoming Single European Sky second package, which would combine the political and legal powers of the European Community institutions with the technical expertise of EUROCONTROL. "The PRC is entering a new phase, during which it could be called upon to serve both EUROCONTROL and the European Community," noted Mr McMillan. "This would be an excellent way to make use of the PRC's considerable experience and intellectual calibre whilst avoiding any duplication," he concluded. The ceremony was attended by approximately sixty people, comprising former and existing members of the PRC and the Performance Review Unit (PRU). Over the past ten years, there have been four PRC Chairmen: Victor Veres (1998-2000), followed by Phil Hogge (2001-2002), Keith Williams (2003-2005 and 2005-2007) and Jean-François Vivier (2007 to date).