SESAR JU has signed a contract and cooperation agreement with ACI EUROPE –the European airports’ trade body- to engage its technical expertise in the SESAR programme in order to modernise together the European sky. The two organisations signed a contract today during the 21st ACI EUROPE Annual Assembly to involve ACI EUROPE on various research projects, development and communications activities, specifically focussed on the role and contribution of airports in SESAR. Building upon the work of the Single European Airports Consortium (an established member of SESAR comprised of Aéroports de Paris, BAA, Flughafen München, Fraport, Schiphol, Flughafen Zurich), today’s agreement will yield a better integration of the entire airport community into the SESAR JU’s work with the aim of making the European aviation system more efficient.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI EUROPE said “We are delighted to be joining forces with the SESAR Joint Undertaking today. SESAR is the technological enabler of the Single European Sky and this cooperation reflects a strong focus on integrating airports within the ATM system. Much of SESAR’s work involves airports and many of our member airports are already engaged, with significant investments in the SESAR programme, to help optimise airport operations for the benefit of airlines and passengers today and tomorrow.”

Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking commented “Our collaboration with ACI EUROPE will undoubtedly bring more technical expertise on airport operations and open doors for validation in day-to-day activities. Airports are a key contributor to SESAR and one of the most beneficiaries of the SESAR results. SESAR will maximise capacity and bring better operations on the ground and in the air as well as environmentally friendly solutions for Airport operators; clearly vital to every single European airport."