Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

The Bulgarian side does not consider that the mandatory separation of maintenance activities ("auxiliary services ") from air traffic management and the introduction of market mechanisms for their implementation will contribute to an increase in efficiency. This was stated by the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Danail Papazov today in Vilnius, Lithuania, during the informal meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers of the EU, on the topic "Single European Sky".

According to him the division will probably lead to major structural changes and disruptions for air navigation service providers. Minister Danail Papazov expressed his concern about the possibility of creation of a monopolistic environment and concentration of business in several major service providers, which is contrary to the principles of free and fair competition. He added that the creation of a dynamic market for the provision of support services could be gradually achieved, taking into account the risks related to safety and the social factors, which is tailored to the specific local conditions and in the conditions of application of the current regulations for the Single European Sky (SES ).

Minister Danail Papazov said that increasing the efficiency of the air transport system should be assessed in its integrity, taking into account the interests of all parties involved - airports, airlines, air navigation service providers, business and general aviation. The Minister added that the Bulgarian side supports in principle the main objectives of the Single European Sky initiative (SES ), and welcomes all actions that will ensure their achievement and will help to overcome the difficulties in the implementation of the already adopted two legislative packages.

"Bulgaria supports the idea of ​​more flexible functional airspace blocks that can be developed through better cooperation with other units and service providers", said Danail Papazov .

Minister Danail Papazov also attended the 3rd International Conference on Road Transport IRU/EU on " The road transport market - Competitiveness and Partnership. Transforming the difficulties into effective solutions for growth". During the forum, Minister Danail Papazov held a series of bilateral meetings with some of the other transport ministers.