The objectives of the AGC Programme are to develop mature and validated methods of operation and requirements, as a firm basis for implementation and leading to world wide standards that will make best use of the available and forthcoming technologies to increase the productivity of ATM. Specifically, the Programme aims at defining functions which will provide the human operators with a usage of technologies suitable to both their needs and safety. The Cooperative ATS way of operating will be based on requirements for the use of advanced Air/ Ground and Air/ Air Data Communications and Surveillance technologies in accordance with the strategic actions identified in the ATM 2000+ Strategy. Subject to successful validation, Air/ Ground Cooperative ATS will also, once the Programme is fully established, provide the basis upon which separation of aircraft can be delegated to aircrew under specified circumstances. Technology advances in communications, digital data transmissions and advanced data processing are such that it can be considered that technical capabilities will not be a major limiting factor. Transitional arrangements making use of the existing infrastructure will be intrinsic to the overall methodology, based on User Requirements, without presumptive technical solutions. Therefore, it will be incumbent on the technical domains to develop the infrastructure and its components to achieve the methodology in line with the operational requirements.