AEA flags key priorities for SESAR success

Europes airspace has suffered from fragmentation and inefficiencies for decades. SESAR is the technical arm of the European Commissions ambitious Single European Sky initiative, which will harmonise the airspace above Europe, cutting costs, delays and emissions.

Airlines want to embrace new technologies under SESAR, but we have some fundamental requirements, said De Vroey. SESAR must be performance-driven, based on users needs and a solid business case. Furthermore, it is not acceptable to require different avionics for different regions. Global compatibility is essential.

In summer 2013, the SESAR governance structure will be finalised. Airlines, as end-users, must be empowered to shape and define priorities in preparation for the SESAR Deployment Phase which begins in 2014.

Furthermore, SESAR is extremely capital-intense, requiring €30 billion in upfront investment. This burden will be softened by the Commissions request for €3 billion in public funding under the draft EU 2014-20 budget, but a significant shortfall remains.

SESAR is a long-term initiative, it requires enormous investment and must be based on a clear business case. This is essential to attract public funding, because airspace users cannot foot the bill on their own.