UK ATC system is privatized after years of debate, protest

After several years of bitter debate, partial privatization of the UK’s ATC system became a reality on July 27 when the Airline Group completed the acquisi

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

May 7, 2008

After several years of bitter debate, partial privatization of the UK’s ATC system became a reality on July 27 when the Airline Group completed the acquisition of a 46-percent stake in National Air Traffic Services (NATS). The government has retained a 49-percent stake, with the remaining 5 percent going to NATS employees.

Regional airlines and business aviation lobbyists in Europe will now be watching closely to see if NATS honors previous commitments not to favor major airlines in the management of the ATC system at the expense of smaller operators. Its pledge to make more “efficient” use of the UK’s crowded airspace has been interpreted by some as an intent to give preference to airliners on the grounds that they carry more passengers. The Airline Group consists of Britain’s seven leading airlines, namely British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, BMI British Midland, EasyJet, Airtours, Britannia and Monarch.

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