The total number of Airprox events has increased since last year both in terms of the total number when NATS was providing a service ( 31 to 37 ) and the number of NATS attributed events ( 5 to 11 ). With such small numbers being reported we are focusing on further analysis of common causal factors for this increase , and the identification of associated lead indicators to ensure that this is reversed . It is also worth noting that the actual number of loss of separation events associated with any Airprox where NATS was providing a service reduced from 13 in 2012 to 10 in 2013 .
During the 2012 London Games , NATS safely implemented and controlled additional temporary airspace in conjunction with the military . No overloads or incidents within the temporary controlled airspace were attributable to NATS .
Our safety improvement activities have been focused on addressing our most significant operational risks . The key activities on level busts have included a further roll-out of a broadcast of the Transition Level on the Automatic Terminal Information Service ( which provides weather and essential airfield information to aircraft ) at Luton and Heathrow to remind pilots of the level at which the altimeters need to be adjusted . This is to assist crews in avoiding a loss of separation . Also , the Barometric Pressure Setting Advisory Tool ( BAT ) continues to provide valuable mitigation in alerting controllers to incorrect pressure settings by flight crew .
With regards to infringements , NATS awarded the first Infringement Prevention Award to Stapleford Flight Centre for their success in reducing infringements by 50 % from the previous year . This was achieved by working with NATS to improve pilot briefings and training . It is our intention to build on this with other airfields and flying clubs and we look forward to making this award on many more occasions in 2014 .
To ensure we continue to develop our air traffic controllers , we have put in place a continuous professional development ( CPD ) programme . This is providing a foundation for improvements in safety and performance by ensuring that controllers are kept up to date with the demands of their continuously changing profession . CPD is now f irmly embedded at Swanwick and is being implemented at Prestwick and at airports .
As the opportunities for tactical safety improvement continue to reduce , NATS is looking at how to address future risks to the ATM industry . To this end we have been developing our safety strategy through to 2025 . This has included ensuring we are closely aligned to SESAR and developing long-term strategies for automation and human performance . Taken together these strategies will enable the evolution of safety performance , reporting and monitoring within NATS over the next 10 years .
Note : Safety statistics for 2013 include NATS assessment of the outcome of UK Airprox Board reviews
Business and financial review 21