What is the added value of being a member of the SESAR 3 JU?

A modernized Air Traffic Management system is an important part of the Aviation roadmap for meeting environmental targets. A modernized ATM system is key in that perspective. Collaboration and cooperation are the foundation to share airspace and resources in the safer and most efficient way.. In that perspective, Sesar is the place to provide the best environment to collaborate in research and innovation towards a commonly agreed target: the European ATM Master Plan.

After Sesar 1 and Sesar 2020,  Airbus is proud to be an active member of Sesar 3 JU. Benefiting from the agreed goal of the ATM Master Plan, benefiting from the structured link between Sesar JU and European institutions allows Sesar 3 JU research to be made for deployment on which the European ATM will modernize.

Why is air traffic management and its digital transformation important to Airbus?

Airbus supports an ambitious EU target for 2030 of -55% emissions and aims to contribute to the net-zero emission objective of the EU by 2050 by developing climate neutrality aviation. Airbus promotes the urgent need to develop a mix of solutions while securing continued investments to achieve these objectives at EU level. One of such solutions is the improvement of ATM to allow greener operations (through reduction of CO2 and non-CO2 emissions). 

Air Traffic Management has a crucial role to play when it comes to minimizing the impact of traffic on flight efficiency and to keep deviations from the most efficient trajectory as small as possible. Digitalisation is a key enabler for this ATM modernization: Airbus is taking a strong role in developing and implementing the airborne part of  the 4D Trajectory Based Operations concept in Europe, based on the sharing of accurate trajectory predictions between aircraft and Air Traffic Control.

What are Airbus' top three innovation priorities?

At Airbus, we pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. We are conscious of our responsibility to play a key role in aviation decarbonization , and we see this as a unique opportunity to further collaborate with all actors - airlines, airports, energy providers, technology specialists, and across the different transport sectors to meet our ambitious decarbonisation objectives.

One of our priority is to prepare our next generation of aircraft known collectively as  “ZEROe”, for which hydrogen  will be the enabling energy source. This world’s first zero-emission commercial airliner could enter into service by 2035.

Another one is to enable the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as a proven and viable alternative to conventional fuels for immediate CO2 reduction that can decrease life cycle emissions by up to 80%.

Finally, in the short term, Airbus is very engaged with customers and partners worldwide to improve aircraft operations and Air Traffic Management efficiency. Enabling greener operations is the main objective of the on-going SESAR projects, ALBATROSS and HERON, led by Airbus with many European actors. 

In which flagships of the Digital European Sky programme is Airbus particularly interested in getting involved, and why?

Trajectory Based Operations is definitely one of them. Taking full benefit of Trajectory Based Operations will allow to remove the unnecessary buffers and to fly as close to the optimal trajectories. It will support better traffic conflict detection and avoidance, free route airspace, dynamic airspace management, arrival synchronization optimization, and overall fuel waste reduction. This is something we also absolutely need to reach our decarbonisation objectives.

The next generation of air-ground communication means supporting TBO is a key element to be prepared now.

Generalization of single engine taxi operations deserves to be pushed forward.

Fello Fly has a significant potential for fuel savings, Airbus is engaged with EU ATM partners in making this a reality.

Looking more forward, defining concepts of operations and technologies in support of Single Pilot Operations will also benefit to improve safety and efficiency of current A/C operations.

Balancing the CO2 and non CO2 effect on climate change is a strategic enabler for a comprehensive route to sustainable aviation.