Towards highly developed and truly European ATM

The aviation industry is leading the technological revolution in transport and is focusing on improved safety, efficiency and sustainability. Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) is the European Union’s flagship project to modernise air traffic management (ATM), and since 2007 it has developed into a major innovation framework. It supports the Single European Sky strategy by uniting EU institutions, industry and academia, and aligning investment and priorities with nearly €4.8 billion in research funding and an additional €3 billion for deployment through the Connecting Europe facility. Of the 137 SESAR solutions delivered, 70 have been implemented, thus improving arrival and departure procedures at busy airports, enhancing airport integration and enabling more efficient upper airspace routing. SESAR has also tackled structural challenges by reducing technological fragmenta tion, promoting shared standards and aligning national and industry priorities with the European ATM master plan. Despite the evolution of SESAR, implementation of new ATM solutions faces delays, often because of structural weaknesses in the innovation process at key transition points. Air traffic in Europe is projected to increase 44% by 2050 from 2019 levels and reach over 15.4 million instrument flight rules (IFR) flights annually. This growth will introduce new airspace users like drones and electric vertical take-off aircraft, which in turn will necessitate changes in airspace design and co ordination. At the same time, it is vital to ensure EU technological sovereignty and safe airspace operations amid the current geopolitical instability and disruptions. ATM modernisation relies on the aims established in the European ATM master plan to ensure Europe remains the most efficient and environmental ly friendly airspace. SESAR has proven effective in facilitating coordinated innovation in air traffic management, overcoming barriers and delivering performance and sustainability gains while reinforcing the autonomy and industrial leadership of Europe. Although reforms are needed, in particular for smoother development to deployment transitions and stronger industrialisation, these can be achieved with targeted enhancements. Alternative governance models may offer benefits but they also pose high transition risks that could delay the rollout of the ATM master plan. The main aim of the forum was to explore key issues shaping the future of ATM. It aimed to unite Europeans by supporting all journeys. Co-organ ised by the Transport Area of the Florence School of Regulation and the European Commission’s DG MOVE, the forum focused on assessing the SES2+ Package and identifying major challenges in European ATM. It also covered the implementa tion of the new service delivery model, stakeholder interests, SESAR organisation and ways to enhance stakeholder engagement. This policy brief summarises the key points discussed during the forum.