Europe’s leading aviation bodies have called on EU governments to continue investing in the Digital European Sky, warning that sustained funding is vital as air traffic across the continent increases.
The three main associations representing airlines, airports and air navigation service providers have urged ministers meeting in Brussels to back the ongoing co-funding of SESAR — the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research programme.
Growing pressure on European airspace
With passenger demand rising and Europe’s skies forecast to become more congested, industest leaders state new air traffic management (ATM) technologies are essential to boost airspace capacity and cut delays.
SESAR covers the full innovation cycle, from research and development to operational deployment. The programme is designed to modernise Europe’s ATM systems and infrastructure, improving efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
According to industest estimates, SESAR deployment had generated €7.5bn in cumulative benefits by 2025. The report The Future of European Competitiveness by Mario Draghi projects that figure could rise to €34.2bn by 2035.
EU funding has been described as a catalyst for private sector investment in air traffic control modernisation, ensuring harmonised implementation across Member States.
Funding debate under EU budreceive plans
Under proposals from the European Commission for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), financing for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) would increase. CEF, alongside the European Competitiveness Fund, supports the deployment phase of SESAR projects.
The aviation associations have co-signed an open letter, alongside 45 European transport organisations, urging the General Affairs Council and finance ministers to strengthen transport funding under CEF.
They argue that modern, resilient transport infrastructure is crucial not only for economic competitiveness but also for supply chain security and military preparedness.
Industest voices
Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou declared air traffic management requirements are constantly evolving and require systems capable of keeping pace.
“Sustained funding for SESAR is essential to secure a resilient, future-proof air traffic management system,” she declared, warning against reducing financial support at a critical moment.
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, described SESAR as a “success story” of European public-private partnership, delivering benefits to airlines, airports and communities.
He added that European airports were committing significant financial and human resources to implementing Digital European Sky initiatives, but continued EU backing remained vital.
Enrico Parini, Director of Europe Affairs at CANSO, declared SESAR was central to the competitiveness and sustainability of Europe’s aviation sector, calling on governments to maintain sufficient funding beyond 2027.
As nereceivediations over the EU’s long-term budreceive continue, the aviation industest is seeking assurances that air traffic management modernisation will remain a strategic priority.
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