3.4 New service delivery model and supporting regulatory framework

Until now, the ATM service delivery model has typically evolved every 10 to 20 years through major upgrades to the core ATM system. To facilitate deeper and faster changes across the five transformation levers, the model will be replaced by a data-driven, and cloud-based service-oriented architecture for all operational environments.

The new service delivery model will enhance flexibility, scalability, resilience and innovation through its service-oriented design, with open and standardised interfaces based on application programming interface technologies. This architecture will enable faster innovation, a higher degree of automation and seamless integration of new services, through:

The new service delivery model has already gained the support of ANSPs and manufacturers, as illustrated by the signing of a joint statement of commitment in June 2024, available at https://sesarju.eu/node/4702.

  • open ATM patterns enabling the integration of components provided by various system providers to facilitate multi-vendor solutions using open platforms and interfaces;
  • decoupling of service and infrastructure layers through cloud computing (including the various system components);
  • a cloud-native architecture of components with standardised and open interfaces that can be deployed on commodity cloud technologies.

The approach will also facilitate data exchange and enable the quicker deployment of new features, advancing human–machine interactions while ensuring interoperability in operations, airspace and technology across multiple service providers. In addition, it will ensure that civil ANSPs can handle information relevant to national security, such as data on military operational flights, without any risk of disclosure to unauthorised parties.

Furthermore, the transition to service-oriented architecture will facilitate the development of a future-proof EASA regulatory framework for ATM in Europe. Rather than overhauling and certifying an entire system, this framework will enable the development or updating of specific services to meet new standards. In doing so, it will be better aligned with best practices applied in other safety- and security-critical sectors.