Over the past two decades, the organization and provision of air traffic control (ATC) services has been dramatically transformed. Privatization and commercialization of air navigation has become commonplace. Two of the most far-reaching reforms have taken place in Canada and Britain, while in comparison the provision of air traffic services by the FAA has been little changed. This comparison is particularly useful for the US, given that the three countries share the provision of air navigation services in the North Atlantic (the world's busiest international airspace), that all three countries originally had similar air traffic control structures, and that they share many common legal and political characteristics.In addition, much recent attention has been given to aviation infrastructure and safety in Africa, in some parts of Asia and Latin America, and in rapidly growing air markets including India and China. The World Bank, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have launched a major effort to improve the performance and safety of civil aviation in developing economies, including new financial incentives and penalties.Managing the Skies has been written to provide a guide to what has been tried in ATC, what has worked, and what lessons might be learned. It is particularly timely for the US, given that the FAA is due for legislative reauthorization in 2007, and the debate will revolve around restructuring and reform options.The book is divided into four sections. The first is introductory, describing the development, current state, and trends in aviation activity as related to ATC. It provides an overview of how ATC works and the various technologies and services used. The second section deals with international experiences, considering alternative models, efforts to restructure and comparisons of performance. It contains several in-depth case studies to give a truly global perspective of ATC practices.Section three focuses on the FAA and its efforts and challenges in reforming ATC in the US, both historically and in the current climate. Further to this, the authors discuss the alternatives available for future change. The final section directly addresses the common constraints and challenges of current systems, and discusses emerging issues such as new technologies, 'single skies' initiatives, the subcontracting of air navigation services to other countries, and cross-border acquisitions (such as the Ferrovial purchase of the British Airports Authority). The book concludes with the key findings and draws implications for the future of ATC.
Industry Reviews
'...whenever the Washington decision makers finally choose to address the perennial questions of improving the performance of air traffic management in the United States, they would do well to consult Managing the Skies to learn how fundamental change can be achieved but, even more important, to understand that, indeed, it can be accomplished.' Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Volume 28 No 1, 2009 '...the book's greatest strength is its eminent readability, brought to bear by the skilful use of layman's language by the authors, which is calculated to provide the reader with the assurance of learning. The facts are sound and analyses are well supported. Another asset of this work is the manner in which the contents are organized, to flow logically and sequentially, leading to a conclusion that would leave the reader content in having had a well rounded and sound exposure to the subject and a profound understanding of how air traffic management is practiced globally.' Aerlines ezine, Issue 44