In this edition, Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Transport, strongly shares his impressions as to how the SESAR Programme can grow in ambition in the future, and how it can provide an R&D stepping stone towards synchronised deployment.  

 A proven vehicle for accelerating the operational acceptance and the subsequent industrialisation of the SESAR solutions are the Programme’s demonstrations. That is why the SJU has just launched a new call for demonstration activities, and plans to make large-scale demonstrations a core focus of Research and Innovation in the SESAR 2020 Programme.  A feature in this edition provides an overview of SESAR’s approach to demonstrations and the projects that have been funded to date. It also looks in detail at just two SESAR Demonstration Projects, one on the use of Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) to improve airport operations (DFlex), and another on the integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in coastguard rescue operations.

The old saying that “No man is an island” comes to mind when thinking about R&D in Europe and the need to work together to overcome fragmentation. Since the very start, SESAR has seen the added value of bridging ATM silos (our islands) through the creation of a strong network of members, partners and participating stakeholders. This edition’s member profile, featuring the French ANSP, DSNA, clearly illustrates how the involvement of different actors can bring unique “savoir faire” to the SESAR table.

Enjoy the read.

Claude Chêne, Executive Director