European aviation bodies urge ministers to safeguard SESAR funding

Three leading European aviation associations have urged ministers from EU Member States to support continued co funding for SESAR, the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research programme, as discussions on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework intensify.

Representing airlines, airports and air navigation services providers, the groups argue that sustained investment in SESAR is essential to modernise air traffic management systems and address growing congestion in European airspace. With traffic forecast to rise, deployment of advanced ATM technologies is seen as critical to increasing capacity, resilience and operational efficiency.

The full SESAR cycle spans research and development through to deployment. According to industry figures, SESAR solutions had generated €7.5 billion in cumulative benefits by 2025, with projections rising to €34.2 billion by 2035, as cited in the Draghi report The future of European competitiveness. EU funding has been described as a catalyst for private sector investment in ATM modernisation, enabling harmonised implementation across Member States.

Under the European Commission’s proposals for the 2028 to 2034 multiannual financial framework, financing for the Connecting Europe Facility would increase. Together with the proposed European Competitiveness Fund, this framework includes the deployment phase of SESAR projects. The three associations have co signed an open letter alongside 45 European transport organisations, calling on the General Affairs Council and Finance Ministers to reinforce transport funding under the Connecting Europe Facility.

Ourania Georgatsaku, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe, said: “Air traffic management demands are constantly evolving – and we need systems that can adapt and keep pace. Sustained funding for SESAR is essential as it contributes to securing a resilient, future-proof air traffic management system. This is no time to scale back commitment and take our foot off the pedal.”

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE, said: “SESAR is an unequivocal success story of European public-private partnership, with clear benefits for all air transport stakeholders and the European communities they serve. Sustained investment in research, innovation and deployment is essential to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.”

Enrico Parini, Director Europe Affairs at CANSO, added: “SESAR is key for the competitiveness, strategic autonomy and sustainability of the European aviation industry.”

The associations warn that without continued EU backing, momentum in ATM digital transformation and harmonised deployment could slow beyond 2027.

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