The accelerated implementation of SESAR Solutions and the continued digitalisation of air traffic management are among the pathways identified to boost the future competitiveness of Europe, according to the Draghi Report published on 9 October.
The report released by Mario Draghi, ‘The future of European competitiveness’ details three main areas for action to spur sustainable growth:
- closing the innovation gap with other world regions, especially in advanced technologies;
- seizing opportunities to accelerate decarbonisation and competitiveness;
- increasing security and reducing dependencies.
The nearly 400-page report makes recommendations both sectoral (e.g. AI, transport) and horizontal (innovation, skills, governance) to ensure the EU remains competitive in the future.
In the area of air transport, and more specifically, air traffic control services, the report notes that “Of the existing technologies developed which could be used to optimise air traffic control, only a limited number have been rolled out due to technical, coordination and regulatory challenges.” It goes on to say that, “the implementation of the technology pillar of the EU’s Single European Sky (SESAR Solutions) is forecast to bring a EUR 419 billion boost to GDP during the 2013- 2030 period. Yet, these benefits will be lost if efforts are not stepped up to bring the air transport network up to date.”
The report states that the air transport industry should be required and incentivised to take up SESAR Solutions and technologies defined in the European ATM Master Plan to accelerate digitalisation and to better integrate air traffic management with airline and airport operations.
The report also estimates that EUR 100 billion are required on an annual basis as from 2030 to decarbonise aviation, only a fraction of which (approx. EUR 26 billion for the period 2025 to 2050) will be needed for the implementation of SESAR Solutions.
The findings of the report will contribute to the Commission’s work on a new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness.
Read the report