The campaign to update the European ATM Master Plan is entering the final straight.

Following a successful consultation workshop in April, work got underway on drafting a proposal which was sent to the SESAR JU Governing Board in July.

This kicked off a consultation process among stakeholders, notably within the EU and Eurocontrol. The job at hand now is to consolidate and consider the feedback received with a view to tabling a final Master Plan for adoption at the end of 2024.

Why a Master Plan?

Set within the framework of the Single European Sky (SES), the European ATM Master Plan is the commonly agreed planning tool for ATM modernisation across Europe. It sets out the vision and innovation and deployment priorities for the Digital European Sky, with the goal of making Europe the most efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in the world by 2045. A twin digital and green transition is the central focus of the plan, which outlines five technological levers, a new service delivery model, and a supporting regulatory framework as key enablers for accelerating this transformational change.

Why an update?

European ATM is at a crossroads. The need for a fully scalable system that can adapt to fluctuating traffic demand, and growing diversity of aircraft, while addressing a rapidly evolving security landscape, is more pressing than ever. At the same time, ATM is impacted by and is impacting climate change, and is fully committed as part of the aviation industry to accelerate its transition to cleaner, more sustainable operations. Balancing these complex demands while maintaining Europe's competitive edge in the global air transport system is a formidable challenge that no single ATM organisation or stakeholder can meet alone. It requires a joined-up approach involving all stakeholders coming together to chart the way forward.

Stay tuned for more details!