Northern European Functional Airspace Block will shorten flight times

Ministry of Transport and Communications
Publication date 13.9.2012 13.41
Press release

The Government has proposed ratification of the aviation agreement concerning establishment of the Northern European Functional Airspace Block (NEFAB). Finland, Latvia, Norway and Estonia signed the agreement in June 2012 in Tallinn.

The goal of the agreement is to increase air safety, reduce environmental impact and decrease costs.

These goals will be achieved through enhancing the use of member state airspace by, for example, offering the possibility of wider flight routes and greater route useability. Air traffic efficiency will reduce fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The agreement will also reform the administrative structures for airspace and pave the way for the adoption of new technical solutions.

Where air passengers are concerned, the reform will be seen in greater punctuality and shorter flight times.

The Government submitted its proposal for ratification of the Northern European Functional Airspace Block Agreement to Parliament on Thursday, 13 September 2012.

Establishment of the Northern European Functional Airspace Block is based on an EU decree, which requires member states to establish their respective blocks by 4 December 2012.

Further information: Ms Maija Ahokas, Ministerial Counsellor, tel. +358 295 34 2390