19.Currently en route air traffic services, and air traffic services at some airports, are provided by NATS, a company which is wholly owned by the CAA. The air traffic provisions in this Act will enable NATS to be transferred to a company owned partly by the public sector, partly by the private sector and partly by NATS employees. This new company will continue to provide the services currently provided by NATS. En route services will be provided under a licence issued by the Secretary of State, and will be subject to statutory economic regulation by the CAA. All air traffic services, whether provided by NATS or other providers will remain subject to statutory safety regulation by the CAA, who will also have responsibility for airspace policy
Commentary on Sections Part I: Air Traffic Chapter I: Air Traffic Services