WRITTEN QUESTION E-2303/99

by SIR Robert Atkins (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: The problems of the Millennium Bug at airports

Is the Commission satisfied that the safety and security of EU travellers is protected at international airports from the threat of what is referred to as the Millennium Bug?

Joint answer to Written Questions P-2267/99, E-2303/99, E-2304/99 and E-2305/99 given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(16 December 1999)

The role of the Commission in the domain of air transport and airports, as is the case with other sectors where the year 2000 (Y2K) issue is relevant, is essentially to facilitate the dissemination of information. In accordance with existing national competence and with the principle of subsidiarity, the primary responsibility for addressing the Y2K problem as regards airports falls upon the airport authorities and the national civil aviation authorities. Safety regulations are internationally agreed on a worldwide basis and the Member States have the responsibility to ensure compliance with rules and regulations applicable to airports. A number of international organisations have their own role to play in accordance with their own responsibilities.

The International civil aviation organisation (ICAO) has developed Y2K assessment criteria covering air traffic services, airports and aircraft operators, and invited its Member States to perform a critical Y2K compliance assessment and provide appropriate information on the compliance status of their respective services. This information is made available to authorised officials, and ICAO has presented a publicly available global Y2K readiness status report.

Eurocontrol is focusing particularly on the development of contingency plans. In co-operation with ICAO, Eurocontrol is setting up a European regional Y2K co-ordination unit for collection and dissemination of information to the countries of the region, with a view to permitting corrective actions of operational contingency measures to overcome potential disruptions of air traffic systems. This unit will be located in the central flow management unit of Eurocontrol in Brussels, where it will operate on 31 December 1999 and 1 January 2000.

Complementing the ICAO initiative, the European civil aviation conference (ECAC) has examined the legal aspects of eventual courses of action considered in connection with Y2K readiness, and regarding limitations of operations in cases where there is no information on compliance status, or there is reason to suspect non compliance. A common approach has been developed for addressing states where information provided is considered inadequate, with a view to resolving outstanding issues. The situation will be examined in the very near future and, if necessary, appropriate action will be considered.

The International air transport association (IATA), with which the Airports council international (ACI) has cooperated, has developed the Y2K industry project established in June 1998, focusing on raising awareness, strengthening industry co-operation, collecting Y2K readiness information, and promoting contingency planning. Through IATA the airlines have implemented a programme that includes air traffic systems and airports, aircraft, engine and avionics manufacturers.

On the basis of the information and reports received, for example the reports from the representatives of international governmental and industry organisations at a Workshop organised by the Commission on 29-30 September 1999, the Commission considers that the aviation industry is well advanced in its preparations to combat potential problems in European countries, in accordance with plans aiming at achieving compliance and providing for contingencies that may arise. Such plans cover immediate safety concerns satisfactorily. However the possibility of capacity constraints in the days after the roll over cannot be excluded.

More specifically as regards international airports in the Member States, the information available indicates that thorough and comprehensive programmes to identify and remedy potential Y2K problems have been implemented or are scheduled for completion in time for the rollover.

It may also be mentioned that, as requested by the European Council in Cologne, a high level working party on the millennium date change has been established by the Commission in July 1999. It has been holding monthly meetings and will continue during the remainder of this year to address various aspects of the Y2K problem at Community level.