The European Parliament has adopted a resolution aimed at improving aviation safety and efficiency through global flight tracking systems.
The newly adopted resolution supports the assignment of primary radio spectrum allocation for satellite-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B).
The GPS-based surveillance system is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) efforts to convert US air traffic control (ATC) system from a ground-based system to a satellite-based system.
ENAV CEO Roberta Neri said: "A primary spectrum allocation will ensure that the world’s aviation community has access to the next-generation air traffic surveillance capability of space-based ADS-B to improve global safety and efficiency.
"It is imperative that we make safety a priority and it is encouraging that Parliament has made this critical issue a key objective during the WRC."
ADS-B will allow for real-time air traffic monitoring, and deliver performance-based enhancements in safety and efficiency.
Moreover, it will be consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) objectives.
NAV Canada CEO John Crichton said: "The European Parliament has set the standard in supporting this action and as the Air Navigation Service Provider in Canada, we fully support this initiative from the other side of the Atlantic.
"Primary spectrum allocation for space-based global flight tracking is putting safety first. It is our primary goal and main objective in maintaining our airspace."
Meanwhile, European Parliament Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc has asked all EU member states to welcome this resolution in order to ensure the objective of global flight tracking.
