On 25 May, the TRANSPORT committee from the European Parliament held its annual hearing on SESAR. Members of the committee – chaired by MEP Brian Simpson - were presented with an update on the SESAR work programme. Patrick Ky, the Executive Director of SESAR described the main technical advantages compared to today’s system and the next steps for the coming year, including deployment. There were many comments and constructive remarks from the floor for a real push forward for the programme. The relationship with the American system NEXTGEN and cooperation with third countries was raised, as well as queries as to the future governance and funding. MEPs showed strong interest in the results of the McKinsey macroeconomic study on SESAR impact and noted the expected benefits as making a case for SESAR. Matthew Baldwin, the Director of Aviation in the European Commission’s DG MOVE provided some clarity on the process for a Commission proposal on deployment and the funding potential while praising Mr Ky for his strong leadership of the SESAR programme.

<Watch the video of SESAR annual hearing>