✈ First European FRA concept implemented over the territories of four states

BHANSA (Bosnia-Herzegovina), CRO CONTROL (Croatia) and SMATSA (Serbia and Montenegro) – responsible for managing the airspace of four states –Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro – are now offering airlines the chance to plan and execute free route flights around the clock.

The December 8 launch, which follows on from night-time free route operations since April 2015, will see operations free of fragmentation by state or airspace borders above FL325.

As such, ) is the first European FRA concept implemented over the territories of four states, two of which are members of the FAB CE (Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina) functional airspace block with Serbia and Montenegro which are not a part of any FAB initiative, proving that such cooperation is possible, and can be of benefit to all stakeholders.

(SEA-FRA) South East Axis - Free Route Airspace

The idea of such a large-scale FRA was initiated by ATM experts of the four providers who shared a common goal of improving safety and efficiency as well as environmental protection by reducing fuel, CO2 and fuel NOx emissions.

It is important to point out that the SEAFRA actions were taken five years prior to the date of January 1, 2022, deadline when unlimited free use of airspace over 9,000 m across Europe is planned.

This project is one of the key improvements within the EU initiative on establishing the Single European Sky, regardless of the state borders or even FAB borders, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency, and to increase capacity of air traffic in Europe.

BHANSA	Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Naviagation Services Agency
CROCONTROL	Croatia  Control
SMATSA	Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services
SMATSA	Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services

(FRA)-Free Route Airspace
(SEA)-South-East Axis
(FAB)-Functional Airspace Block

Source: Air Traffic Management