The UK government, embroiled in the sell off of National Air Transport Services (NATS), has appointed a business and IT consultancy for the pre-tender process.

Real Time Engineering Limited (RTEL) will work with the department of the environment, transport and the regions to provide a review of the current operational IT systems directly involved with managing the current workload of two million flights per year - 150 systems in the UK at airports and radar stations.

The object of the review will be to ensure that bidders for the NATS public-private partnership are informed about the operating and maintenance costs of the systems. A buyer is sought for 46 per cent of the company, with 49 per cent staying with the government and five per cent going to management staff.

"The review is one of the measures being taken to ensure that the government meets its obligation to ensure openness and accountability throughout the process," said a spokesperson for RTEL.

Added Marie Gilmour of RTEL's transport and travel division: "The systems involved are at the hub of air traffic controlling and safety and represent investments of hundreds of millions of pounds.