In statements to CNA the Presidential adviser on aviation matters Christos Petrou said that the company will be state owned but it will operate under private law rules. It will be funded solely by fees collected by Eurocontrol from flights using Cyprus’ airspace.

Restructuring the Civil Aviation Department of Cyprus is of importance for international organisations, he noted, as due to long delays in Nicosia’s airspace, airlines are burdened with "huge financial costs”. According to Eurocontrol every minute of delay costs €76.

On May 15, Petrou said, a meeting is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace during which the report will be handed over, while other issues relating to Nicosia’s airspace will be discussed.

"We estimate that by the end of 2014 the new state company will be operational”, he noted, adding that this will be a first indication of state modernisation in this important area.

Petrou further said that approximately 150 air traffic controllers and assistants will be transferred to the new company while another 30 to 40 employees are expected to be hired on the basis of a Eurocontrol study. The rights of employees will not be affected, he assured.

At the same time Petrou explained that in an effort to temporarily resolve the matter of costly delays an amount of approximately €1.5 million will be allocated to a productivity fund. The capital will be distributed directly from airlines mainly to air traffic controllers if they find ways to increase productivity and therefore avoid delays.The practice, he said, has already been tried and tested in other countries.

Source: Famagusta Gazette