Pilots from nine European airlines have asked European Union (EU) transport ministers to carry out airspace reforms proposed by the European Commission.
The pilots said they were urging governments "to seize the opportunity and move the Single European Sky (SES2+) legislation out of the holding pattern it has been stuck in for many years".
Implementing the proposals would be a "major step in creating a seamless European airspace" and "would enable pilots to fly the most efficient routes possible which will reduce the amount of fuel used in-flight, reduce delays and deliver a reduction of around 7% in CO2 emissions".
"We’ve been waiting too long for this important reform and it’s time to take action on airspace now to deliver for passengers, for Europe and for the environment," said Laurent Donceel, acting managing director of A4E, ahead of an EU transport ministers' meeting in Stockholm on February 27.