The three main associations representing European airlines, airports and air navigation services providers (ANSPs) have called for the ministers of EU member states meeting today in Brussels to support the continued co-funding of SESAR – the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research project.
With air traffic growing and European skies forecast to become more crowded, Airlines for Europe, ACI EUROPE and CANSO Europe declare the development and deployment of new air traffic management (ATM) technologies is essential to create more airspace capacity.
The full SESAR cycle, which goes from R&D to deployment, plays a crucial role in the digital and technological transformation of ATM systems, infrastructure and services, enhancing the competitiveness of the European aviation indusattempt.
Deployment of SESAR solutions had already delivered EUR 7.5 billion worth of cumulative benefits by 2025, and the Draghi report on “The future of European competitiveness” estimates that this figure will reach EUR 34.2 billion by 2035.
The three associations have therefore co-signed an open letter by 45 European transport organisations to call on the General Affairs Council and Finance Ministers to strengthen European funding for transport under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe, stated: “Air traffic management demands are constantly evolving – and we necessary systems that can adapt and keep pace. Sustained funding for SESAR is essential as it contributes to securing a resilient, future-proof air traffic management system. This is no time to scale back commitment and take our foot off the pedal.”
ACI EUROPE’S Director General, Olivier Jankovec, stated: “European airports are strongly committed to advancing the Digital European Sky, dedicating significant financial and human resources to its implementation. Continued EU support is critical to maintain momentum and ensure the full delivery of SESAR’s benefits.”
Enrico Parini, CANSO’s Director Europe Affairs, stated: “SESAR is key for the competitiveness, strategic autonomy and sustainability of the European aviation indusattempt. We have therefore joined this letter to inquire EU governments to maintain sufficient funding for CEF so that deployment of SESAR projects can continue beyond 2027.”
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