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SESAR JU launches EUR 254 million in research calls to shape the future of European air traffic management

- Brussels, Belgium.

The SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) has announced two open calls under its Digital European Sky (DES) research and innovation programme, within the framework of Horizon Europe. With a combined budget of EUR 254 million, these calls mark the first steps in executing the new European ATM Master Plan, the comprehensive roadmap for transforming air traffic management (ATM) in Europe, published in December 2024. This effort reflects Europe’s vision of becoming the most efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in the world.

The call topics for both calls are part of the research and innovation priorities outlined in the SESAR JU’s Multi-annual work programme and in the more recently amended 2024-2025 Bi-annual work programme. They cover a wide range of areas that are needed to deliver the Digital European Sky, according to the timeframe of the European ATM Master Plan.

Exploratory research call (HORIZON-SESAR-2023-DES-ER-03)

With a budget of EUR 24 million, this call focuses on disruptive technologies and innovative concepts that are in the early stages of development. The primary aim is to explore new ideas, concepts, methods and technologies that will help define future development activities in ATM aligned with the long-term vision of the Digital European Sky.

The call specifications are structured in two working areas (WA):

Fundamental research (WA1)

Activities advancing concepts and technologies from TRL0 to TRL1, addressing:

  • ATM impact on climate change
  • Digital flight rules
  • Quantum sensing and computing applied to ATM

Applied research (WA2)

Bridging fundamental research and higher maturity industrial research (TRL1 to TRL2), addressing:

  • Research to help shape the future regulatory framework for a Digital European Sky
  • Integration of the next generation aircraft for zero/low emission aviation
EUR 10 M EUR 14 M

Industrial research call (HORIZON-SESAR-2023-DES-IR-02)

With a budget of EUR 230 million, industrial research call focuses on advancing significantly the six development priorities defined in the European ATM Master Plan for industrial research in relation to Phase D and reflect the need to focus on developing the next generation platforms. These six development priorities for industrial research are:

  • Transformation to trajectory-based operations.
  • Transition towards high performance of air-ground connectivity (multilink).
  • Future en-route and TMA ground platforms.
  • Future airport platform.
  • Autonomy and digital assistants for the flight deck.
  • U3 U-space advanced services, innovative air mobility (IAM) and vertiports.

The call specifications are structured in seven work areas (WA): one work area per development priority and an additional one to cover the transversal activities in support of SESAR JU and the research and innovation programme.

Key milestones for both calls

20 February 2025 Information day on the calls – stay tuned for more details

1 April 2025 Opening for submission of proposals

16 September 2025 Deadline for submitting proposals

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