SESAR Deployment Manager appointed as Data Link Services (DLS) Implementation Project Manager

SESAR Deployment Manager (SDM) has been mandated by the European Commission (EC) to act as Data Link Services (DLS) Implementation Project Manager.

By this mandate, EC aims to implement one of the key recommendations in the DLS study delivered by the SESAR Joint Undertaking in July 2016 (ELSA) to “empower a pan-European air/ground datalink implementing function having appropriate steering responsibilities”. In addition to its roles of Deployment Manager and Coordinator of the Framework Partnership to deploy SESAR, SDM will also act as architect for DLS implementation in Europe.

It is SDM ambition to use its legacy functions to make its new role effective, inclusive and supportive to all stakeholders required to implement DLS in Europe in accordance with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/310.

EC’s mandate to SDM refers to the Data Link Services (DLS) Recovery Plan that the SDM developed on the basis of the “DLS Implementation Strategy towards Initial Trajectory Information Sharing” with the support of all operational stakeholders and included into the Deployment Programme 2016 just released to EC.

The DLS Recovery Plan aims to set a realistic path from today’s DLS implementation status in Europe up to Initial Trajectory Information Sharing (AF6) implementation by the deadlines set in the Pilot Common Project (1st January 2025 for ground and 1st January 2026 for the airborne segment).

The “DLS Recovery Plan” is also one of the reference for applicants to the 2016 CEF call for proposals published on 13th October 2016.

Massimo Garbini, Managing Director SESAR Deployment Manager commented,

“I wish to thank European Commission to further show trust on us. Data Link represents a real cornerstone for the future of the European Air Traffic Management

Europe shall recover from a complex situation and the SESAR Deployment manager is proud to take this additional role and ready to ensure a timely delivery of Data-Link Services, in full cooperation with all stakeholders.”