Date : Thursday 13 July 2006

The Guild is concerned both by the possibility of any sale and of the impact of the speculation. Along with some other organisations the Guild was never fully reconciled to the part privatisation of NATS, in our case principally because we were unconvinced of the financing plans for NATS. Sadly that concern proved only too correct within weeks following 9/11.

Our concerns on safety were somewhat allayed by the prospect of NATS being owned by the Airline Group, as the constituent companies of that group have the same need as NATS for a credible corporate safety reputation to ensure that they succeed commercially. This belief has been the twine that has bound together an, at times, fragile consensus which enabled various organisations to express continuing support for NATS.

The speculation of a sale of shares by the Airline Group has already unsettled that fragile consensus. It also disturbs the NATS’s employees, who have enough to during yet another busy summer. It resurrects the fear that NATS would have more difficulty in putting safety first with one or more different non-aviation, non-operational major shareholders. At a time when NATS should have stability and investment to facilitate accelerating growth, suggestions that it is only a disposable resource are unhelpful. NATS should not be up for sale. It should be invested in for growth, not sold on. Above all its safety credentials should not be compromised.

For further information contact GATCO on 01425 673028 or 01949 876405, e-mail president@gatco.org