Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and his UK counterpart have announced agreement on the first functional airspace block in Europe.
Mr Dempsey and British Minister of State for Transport Rosie Winterton announced the functional airspace block, which is a means of more efficiently managing airspace along operational requirements rather than national boundaries.
The agreement, announced at a meeting of EU transport ministers in Luxembourg, follows the introduction of EU legislation in April 2004.
This seeks to minimise air traffic delays through improved co-operation and to promote greater capacity and efficiency across the European air traffic management system.
This partnership approach, involving the UK and Irish air navigation service providers, airlines and ministries of defence, will deliver real operational efficiencies for airlines by developing more fuel efficient routes, improving delays and enhancing safety.
'The UK and Ireland have a long tradition of cooperation in air traffic management and the establishment of the first FAB in Europe is a major step in deepening that co-operation', Mr Dempsey said.
The FAB management board, chaired by NATS and the Irish Aviation Authority will involve airlines and representatives of both Governments.
They will look at airspace design, service provision and safety.
