EU proposes to "harmonise" licences for air-traffic controllers

The EU has put forward proposals to harmonise the system for granting licences to air-traffic controllers in the member states. The proposals would also guarantee mutual recognition of air-traffic controllers’qualifications.

Air-traffic controllers would need to prove their ability to speak and understand English – the international language of air-traffic control. Other minimum requirements would be laid down by the civil-aviation authorities of the various EU member states.

The proposals form part of the Commission’s “European single sky”initiative, which aims to cut air-traffic-control delays in Europe.