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A study into the issues associated with establishing a Functional Airspace Block (FAB) in Ireland / UK airspace areas is underway, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed today.

The project will, potentially, pave the way for one of the first FABs in Europe.

The announcement follows a joint statement from the two providers last November, inviting industry consultants to bid for the contract. Last week Helios Technology Limited was appointed to carry out a wide-ranging review and present its findings by the end of May.

Eamonn Brennan and Paul Barron, the respective Chief Executives of the IAA and NATS, said: "Our organisations have a long history of co-operation and we both believe that the time has arrived to jointly explore the feasibility of establishing an Ireland / UK FAB.

"This development is very much in line with the ambitions of the Single European Sky and we are keen to demonstrate that we are serious about achieving that."

The Single European Sky is an EU initiative aimed at creating a more efficient and harmonised air traffic management system. The EU's Single European Sky regulations have entrusted European States with the establishment of Functional Airspace Blocks and a limited period in which to develop their own proposals.

The joint study will consider the impact of Single European Sky Regulations and its Mandates, the flexible use of airspace, and joint safety and performance management.

This study will identify - for the airspace currently controlled by both parties - the operational, technical, institutional, financial and regulatory aspects of such a move, weighing up stakeholder benefits and concerns and evaluating what further work is needed. It may also provide a template for future FAB assessments.

Helios Technology Limited will consult with all key stakeholders in both countries, including Government departments, client airlines and other airspace users, trade unions and regulatory authorities.

Helios Technology Limited has a wide range of relevant experience in air traffic management and Single European Sky regulatory aspects and was one of five industry consultants who tendered for the contract.