Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what role her Department plays in determining NATS executive remuneration; and whether she has sought changes to bonus criteria following disruption caused by NATS system failures.

NATS is a private company, run by its own board. The Transport Secretary appoints three Non-Executive Directors to the NATS’ board, who oversee the Government’s shareholding interest in the company. Pay and bonuses for senior NATS executives, are set through the governance structures which manage the business. The Government has no role in dictating salary levels.

As part of the independent review into NATS’ performance following the incidents that occurred on 8 and 21 September this year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will complete a broader assessment of NATS' resilience, capital investment and modernisation plans, as well as the effectiveness of the CAA's own regulatory oversight. An initial findings report is due to be completed by end of January 2027, with a final report submitted by the end of March 2027.