With the recent adoption of the first step of the SESAR Concept of Operations, the programme defined its guidelines and common reference for all operationally related SESAR tasks. It describes the ATM operation envisaged in Europe so that civil and military airspace users, service providers, airports and ATM industries have a common understanding of the operational characteristics in the first step of SESAR development and the main changes they imply in operating practices along with the capabilities they require.

The concept recognizes the continued central role of the human in the SESAR ATM system. At the same time, it fits into ICAO’s Global Air Traffic Management Operational Concept allowing for global interoperability and provides the European input to its Aviation System Block Upgrades.

SESAR Step 1 entails the move towards time based operations, focusing on better use of existing technology and optimised communication between ground and airborne equipment.

The Step 1 Concept of Operations definition was elaborated by SESAR members together with representatives from airspace users and staff associations. It may be updated with results from SESAR’s operational validations.