With air traffic continuing to grow and European skies forecast to become increasingly congested, the sector underlines that the development and deployment of new air traffic management (ATM) technologies are essential to create additional airspace capacity. The full SESAR cycle, spanning research and development to deployment, is considered central to the digital and technological transformation of ATM systems, infrastructure and services.
Deployment of SESAR solutions has delivered 7.5 billion euros nin cumulative benefits by 2025. According to the Draghi report “The future of European competitiveness”, this figure is projected to reach 34.2 billion euros by 2035. EU funding has acted as a catalyst for private investment in ATM modernisation and is viewed by the industry as critical to ensuring harmonised implementation. The industry support vehicle SDIP, acting as the SESAR Deployment Manager, has played a key role in achieving these outcomes.
Under the European Commission’s proposals for the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, financing for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) would increase. Together with the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), CEF includes the deployment phase of SESAR projects. The three associations have co-signed an open letter alongside 45 European transport organisations calling on the General Affairs Council and Finance Ministers to strengthen European funding for transport under CEF.
The signatories argue that robust and modern transport infrastructure is essential to enhance Europe’s resilience and military preparedness, reinforce industrial competitiveness and safeguard supply chain sovereignty.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E), said: “Air traffic management demands are constantly evolving – and we need 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.”
Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, stated: “SESAR is an unequivocal success story of European public-private partnership, with clear benefits for all air transport stakeholders and the European communities they serve. Sustained investment in research, innovation and deployment is essential to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. 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, Director Europe Affairs at CANSO, added: “SESAR is key for the competitiveness, strategic autonomy and sustainability of the European aviation industry. We have therefore joined this letter to ask EU governments to maintain sufficient funding for CEF so that deployment of SESAR projects can continue beyond 2027.”
Tags: SESAR, Enrico Parini, CANSO, Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe Ourania Georgoutsakou, Airlines for Europe (A4E)