EDA and SESAR deployment manager seal cooperation

Jorge Domecq, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), and Massimo Garbini, Managing Director of the SESAR Deployment Manager (SDM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Its purpose is to establish efficient cooperation and support between the two organisations with regard to SESAR deployment.

“Europe’s military fleets include some 9,500 diverse aircraft accounting for more than 150,000 flights each year," said Domecq at the signature ceremony.

"In other words, they form the single biggest ‘airline’ operating in Europe today.

"The challenges of the Single European Sky Programme and the modernisation of European air traffic management are manifold.

"However, it is the role of the EDA to ensure that the European air forces continue to have free and safe access to European airspace for training purposes, and air-policing, as well as air defence missions.

"The financial and technological impacts of the Programme need to be mitigated to ensure that they do not adversely affect European defence capabilities.

"Only through constructive cooperation between military and civil stakeholders, can our shared vision of an efficient, safe and flexible European airspace be realised.

"It is in this spirit that we sign the Memorandum of Understanding today."

Massimo Garbini said, "This MoU reflects the kind of relationship we aim for with all stakeholders.

"Only through efficient cooperation and mutual support between both civil and military stakeholders can we deliver the modernisation of European Air Traffic Management technology together."

Jorge Domecq (left), Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), and Massimo Garbini, Managing Director of the SESAR Deployment Manager (SDM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).