The European Commission adopted a regulation on flight message transfer protocol that will allow the use of Internet protocol in communication systems between air traffic control units.

"This legal instrument is another milestone in the implementation of the Single Sky, as it supports the coordinated introduction of a new technical solution in air traffic management systems throughout Europe," VP Transport Jacques Barrot said. Last year the EC adopted two regulations aimed at modernizing ATM within the Single European Sky.

Earlier when highlighting the impact of the EU's emissions trading scheme on aviation, European airlines reiterated their demand that the EC "stop talking about the Single European Sky and start implementing it." Airlines argued that a genuine aviation climate change policy should not be made up of economic instruments alone and should start with mitigating aviation's environmental impact.

"Emissions containment is a first step to reduce emissions," European Regions Airline Assn. DG Mike Ambrose stressed. "There are three pillars [to contain emissions]: Technological development, operational measures to reduce fuel burn and infrastructural improvements. We would save up to 12% fuel if the Single European Sky would be implemented."

IATA joined the chorus, saying the SES would save up to 12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. "Too often politicians think green and see cash," DG and CEO Giovanni Bisignani said. "A Single European Sky would effectively unite Europe's 35 air navigation service providers into one."