Brussels—U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta, Ambassador Kaja Tael, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the European Union, and European Commission Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) Director General Henrik Hololei signed Amendments to two US-EU agreements that will expand areas for joint efforts on aviation safety and air traffic management harmonization.

"Our collaboration remains vitally important for the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo on both sides of the Atlantic," said Huerta. "Today's signing continues a deep commitment to cooperation and harmonization shared by America and the EU. In particular, I'd like to thank the European Commission and DG MOVE Director General Hololeifor his leadership in our joint collaborative efforts."

First, the Amendment to the U.S-EU Aviation Safety Agreement enables the FAA and the EU to finalize arrangements for reciprocal acceptance of approvals associated with Flight Simulator Training Devices and Pilot Licensing. The amendment also permits future collaboration in aircraft operations and air traffic safety oversight. By reducing duplication and leveraging resources, the FAA and EU can better allocate resources to areas with higher risks to aviation safety. Industry, government and the flying public will benefit from this expanded safety cooperation through streamlined procedures and reduced costs.

The second amendment expands collaboration in the area of air traffic management modernization. The FAA and EU share a strong commitment to harmonizing air traffic technologies, standards and procedures under our modernization programs, NextGen (in the U.S.) and SESAR (in the EU). The expanded agreement will now cover the full life cycle of Air Traffic Management modernization activities from development to deployment.

Henrik Hololei said: "The broadened scope of the two agreements we signed today confirms the strong commitment to continue to work together for the future of aviation safety—always the highest priority in our aviation agenda. I would like to thank the FAA and in particular Administrator Huerta for the outstanding cooperation that has led us here today, and for the excellent work he has done all along his mandate in supporting a very close and fruitful cooperation with the EU."