Finnish, Estonian and Russian specialists discussed use of airspace over the Gulf of Finland

Press release 264/2007
28 November 2007

Representatives of Finland, Estonia and Russia met in Helsinki on Wednesday, 28 November to discuss use of airspace over the Gulf of Finland. The Ministries for Foreign Affairs of the three countries had agreed on the meeting earlier this autumn; the representatives present at the negotiation were air force specialists.

The purpose of the meeting was to intensify dialogue among the three states on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, and to find technical and operational means for the advance prevention of possible airspace violations. At the meeting, information was also exchanged about the countries’ principles for implementing territorial surveillance.

The specialists considered it highly important to transmit flight plan information in connection with flight preparation, to maintain contact and collaborate actively during flights, and to utilise technical equipment such as identification (IFF) and satellite navigation equipment in flight surveillance. Also discussed were operational models for emergencies and other unexpected situations.

The relatively narrow international airspace over the Gulf of Finland is heavily trafficked. Commercial flights are expected to increase in the coming years, which emphasises the importance of information exchange and collaboration in order to ensure the safety of military and civilian air traffic.

Additional information: Brigadier General Jarkko Numminen, Air Force Headquarters, tel. +358 14 181 4040; Director General Kirsti Eskelinen, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5039