Balancing regulatory and corporate goals

The Single European Sky policy and regulation is having an increasing impact on the businesses of air navigation service providers (ANSPs). New procedures and processes, with resultant resource requirements, have had an effect on the operational efficiency and cost effectiveness of ANSPs.

Switzerland’s skyguide is no exception, with almost all EU legislation transposed into Swiss law. Processes need to be “fit-for-purpose” according to the SES regulations and, at the same time, applied within the corporate and operational environment of skyguide.

For the past six months, Helios has been working closely with skyguide’s safety department, using our expertise to provide short-term resource to the area, whilst advising on how to meet business and regulatory goals in the longer term.

One of the short-term issues has been to determine the acceptable safety of a major surveillance system change in five of Switzerland’s military aerodromes with ATC provided by skyguide controllers. Helios has provided short-term resource to do this, including safety experts, military controllers, technical surveillance experts, and training experts. This has relieved the load on existing skyguide personnel, allowing them to focus on important changes elsewhere in the organisation.

Comments Helios Director Ben Stanley: “Our experience with multiple stakeholders and procurement processes means we are well-placed to advise skyguide in discussions about the new surveillance system with the procurement authority and the prime contractor. A pragmatic and effective approach, focused on controlling risk proactively for people, procedures and equipment, is now being finalised.”

The next step will involve working closely with skyguide to identify the impact of regulatory changes, and ensure the business processes are aligned to the corporate goals.

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