Accountability

10  Though the PPP cedes operational control to the private sector, it provides for public accountability. The three government-appointed Partnership Directors on NATS' Board have put in much more time than anticipated when appointed, because of cash flow problems affecting the company. The shareholders and the executive management consider that they have been effective as non-executive directors and have helped communications between the different parties at an important time. The legal agreements with the Airline Group and NATS' licence to operate air traffic control give the Government ultimate powers to intervene if there is a serious threat to the public interest.