Market aspects and legal framework for galileo programme

An "Open Sky policy", at least as formulated by the US government, has its limits. The next step must be an "Open Skies multilateral agreement", also called an "Open Aviation Area", which may shape transatlantic traffic. Within such "Open Aviation Area", which is marked by the absence of restrictions upon the operation of air services operated within the area, competition must be regulated. The major aims of certification of any GNSS would be to establish minimum guarantees of quality (as expressed in such dimensions as accessibility, availability, continuity, integrity, reliability and accuracy). Furthermore, technological advances in the areas of CNS/ATM (Communications-Navigation-Surveillance/ Air Traffic Management) and decision support must be leveraged to evolve a modernized Airspace System: from an Airspace System service provider perspective, space and aviation operations must be seamless and fully integrated in order to continue to provide efficient service to all Airspace System users. This paper provides a broad view on the Transatlantic Common Aviation Area initiatives in air navigation, highlighting legal lessons learned in the frame of the "modernization of the European Airspace".