A6 Alliance looking to the Future of European ATM Services

A new service delivery model until 2035, that is the ambitious goal of European Air Traffic Management. This was also among the main topics discussed during high level meetings by the A6 Alliance with SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, Eurocontrol and industry stakeholders on February 19 in Brussels.

At an A6 CEO meeting with SESAR 3 JU and industry representatives Philipp Piber, Chair of the A6 Steering Board, together with the A6 Alliance CEOs stressed the importance of working towards achieving a new service delivery model for ATM by 2035. Referring to the joint agreement signed in June 2024 by ANSPs and the manufacturing industry he said: “This is a commitment, a commitment to shape a modern, resilient, and efficient ATM system for Europe. A system that is modular, open, and cloud-based. A system that allows seamless integration of new technologies without the costly and time-consuming process of recertifying entire platforms. A system that enables the vision of “develop once, deploy many”—ensuring efficiency, scalability, and faster innovation across Europe.” He went on to stress the importance of working together for this new service delivery model to become a reality and that all actors including S3JU, SDM, EASA, EUROCAE, Eurocontrol and the European Commission should be fully on board ensuring a synchronized and successful implementation across Europe. “But for this to happen it is most important to focus on the people – by involving air traffic controllers in the process from the beginning, to give them the time and training for adapting to the system”, concluded Philipp Piber.

A6 CEOs meet with Eurocontrol DG Raúl Medina – Eurocontrol joins agreement for new service delivery model

The new service delivery model was also a key topic at the meeting between A6 CEOs and Eurocontrol DG Raúl Medina. Eurocontrol emphasized its commitment to this significant future project by officially signing the joint agreement.

A6 Steering Board Chair Philipp Piber welcomed the decision by Eurocontrol: “Today marks a significant milestone in the evolution of air traffic management in Europe. By signing this agreement, A6 and Eurocontrol reaffirm their shared commitment to a more resilient, efficient, and future-proof ATM system—one that meets the demands of an increasingly complex and dynamic airspace”, said Philipp Piber. The adoption of an open, service-oriented and cloud-based architecture under the SESAR framework will require a joint effort not only of ANSPs and the manufacturing industry, but also a wide range of stakeholders, including Eurocontrol.

The future of SESAR looking beyond 2027 and the cooperation between A6 and Eurocontrol were also talking-points during the meeting. And looking ahead to the near future it was discussed on how to work together in managing summer traffic 2025 in the best possible way for passengers and airlines.