The idea of sending instructions to an aircraft as data rather than voice communication seems like an obviously good one. It would lessen the chances of a misunderstanding while at the same time freeing up the pilot and controller for other tasks – a two-fold safety advantage.

With 2013 drawing to a close, it’s time for the obligatory review of the year.

Tackling the existing fragmentation of European airspace and realising the vision of a Single European Sky requires a whole host of activities – from political breakthroughs to rolling out new technologies.

Back in August I wrote about why measuring airport capacity means more than just tarmac and terminals. The same is equally true when it comes to increasing capacity.

Recent changes to how we use UK airspace have enabled our airline customers to save an extra 8,000 tonnes of fuel every year. This means 13,000 tonnes of fuel savings have been enabled since April, worth £8.5m to airlines and the equivalent to 41,000 tonnes of CO2.

Last week I took part in the Airport Operations Conference, which had the theme “Airports beyond 2020”, and was involved in a panel discussion focused on the airport role within an integrated seamless global network – far more interesting than its title might initially indicate.

Chief Executive, Richard Deakin spoke at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Annual Brabazon Lecture tonight, focusing on the Single European Sky and the challenges that face it.

China’s Qingdao Municipal Government sent Jia Wang, Vice-Director of the Qingdao European and African Office, to Hampshire and NATS Swanwick Control Centre was on her agenda.

In my view, far from just being just “the people in the tower”, air traffic control is at the heart of an airport. It can help set the tone for the entire operation and can make an airport either poor or excellent.

Safety is always our number one priority, and that includes when it comes to cyber security and information assurance. Improving security is an on-going effort to ensure that we understand and can guard against the latest risks.