SESAR is a key driver for the competitiveness of Europe’s aviation industry and should continue to be supported in order to accelerate the development and deployment of SESAR Solutions. This was just one of the key conclusions at the 3rd EU Aeronautics Conference, organised by the European Parliament Sky & Space Intergroup and supported by ASD.

The conference brought together 300 delegates, including high-level aviation industry stakeholders and research centres to exchange views and knowledge with high-level decision-makers from the EU Institutions including the Parliament, the Commission and the Council, as well as from EU Agencies.

Monika Hohlmeier, MEP and President of the Sky and Space Intergroup, saids: "Aviation is one of Europe's sectors of excellence and a major pillar of the European economy acting as an engine for growth and job creation. With a growing global population and increasing need for mobility, Europe has a key role to play in allowing aviation's ambitious goals to be reached while remaining sustainable and reducing its environmental impact."

Eric Trappier, ASD President & Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said: "The strength of today’s European Aeronautical industry is the result of a combination of a highly qualified workforce, robust strategies, investments and continuous efforts on quality, safety, security, environment and innovation, in particular through large-scale European projects such as Clean Sky and SESAR. […] Tomorrow’s success depends on the projects we build today and together."

Also speaking at the event, Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission, remarked on the importance of cooperation among aviation industry partners, noting the big impact the work of SESAR was having on a global scale.

Closing the conference, Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for Transport, said that investment in research and innovation was key to strengthening the aviation industry, particularly in terms of its global competitiveness, and its ability to manage drones, security and safety, and carbon emissions.

The event concluded with the presentation of a proposal from the European Parliament’s Sky & Space Intergroup with areas of action that should be taken up by industry and the institutions. These actions cover the need for the continued support for SESAR R&D and the acceleration of the deployment of SESAR solutions.