Resolution on allocation by the World Radiocommunication Conference, to be held in Geneva from 2 to 27 November 2015 (WRC-15), of the necessary radio spectrum band to support the future development of a satellite-based technology to enable global flight tracking systems

The European Parliament adopted by 425 votes to 31 with 6 abstentions a resolution tabled the Committee on Transport and Tourism on allocation by the World Radiocommunication Conference, to be held in Geneva from 2 to 27 November 2015 (WRC-15), of the necessary radio spectrum band to support the future development of a satellite-based technology to enable global flight tracking systems.

Recalling the tragedies involving Air France flight AF447 in June 2009 and Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in March 2014, Parliament stated its support for the Commission’s action aimed at rapidly developing a performance-based global flight tracking system that would enable air navigation service providers to determine the position of public transport aircraft at all times, even in remote locations. It stressed that such a system should remain effective even in the event of loss of normal electrical power on board, and should not offer any possibility of being disabled during the flight.

Parliament noted that the Commission, in cooperation with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and stakeholders, had started to study various technical options and had proposed rules on aircraft tracking with phased implementation. Among the possible options currently being studied, the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) technology, supported by satellite communications, appeared to be very promising. The development of satellite-supported ADS-B technology might require the allocation of an appropriate radio spectrum band in order to prevent any interference.

Accordingly, Parliament called on the Commission to take the necessary steps – with a view to the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15), to be held in Geneva in November 2015 – regarding the allocation of the necessary radio spectrum band to support the future development of a satellite-based global flight tracking system. The resolution stressed that when implementing ADS-B technology, it was essential to consider the needs of all airspace users and to ensure interoperability between alternative technologies in order to avoid safety and security breaches.