Romania, Bulgaria to Launch Danube FAB Common Airspace Block in 2013

The Bulgarian-Romanian Danube FAB has been scheduled to enter into force in 2013. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria and Romania signed on Monday, in Brussels, an agreement on the establishment of a common Functional Airspace Block (FAB) which is to enter into force in 2013.

Under the agreement, civil and military aircraft entering the airspace of the two countries will be able to pick a route that is most advantageous to them in terms of cost and time, rather than follow strict air routes to get to the destination, as is currently the case.

The launch of Danube FAB will also bring environmental benefits because it will reduce air pollution from aircraft which now take roundabout routes.

The foundations of the Functional Airspace Block between Romania and Bulgaria were laid in 2004 and the feasibility studies were completed in 2008.

A team of 70 air traffic controllers in Romania and Bulgaria and 30 pilots from France is now carrying out a simulation of how the joint air traffic organization will operate.

Danube FAB should be ready to become operational by December 2012 so that it can enter into force in 2013.

 

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