The first quarterly meeting of the staff associations for 2011 took place on 31 March. One of the main topics of discussion was the finalisation of the pool of operational expertise forming the International Validation Team. This staff associations’ International Validation Team (IVT) consists of a pool of skilled ATCOs, ATSEPs and pilots that will be on hand to give valuable support and contributions to the SESAR work programme and take part in the planned SESAR V&V activities.

Michael Standard (SESAR JU)

A document clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the team as well as a full list of operational pilots, air traffic controllers and air traffic electronics engineers was presented at the meeting. This document is now being finalised. The next step will be to determine when and who from the IVT will be needed and engaged in which exercise. The IVT currently consists of around 70 fully operational staff, which shows the interest of staff to get engaged in the development of their future operational and technical solutions. The focal point for the team will be Mr Joel Cariou, with Mr Giancarlo Ferrara as the SJU lead.

The next quarterly meeting is planned for 30 June 2011.