Talking to A6 Alliance Steering Board Chair Philipp Piber

As the year 2025 draws to a close we took the opportunity to talk to A6 Steering Board Chairman Philipp Piber about the most significant developments during the last year and the challenges that lie ahead.

We are approaching the end of the year, what would you see as the main achievements for A6 in 2025?

One of our main achievements has been the constructive and trust-based dialogue established with many stakeholders, especially DG MOVE. Together we have jointly laid the groundwork for the modernisation of European Air Traffic Management beyond 2027. A6 has also made tangible progress on the New Service Delivery Model initiative. Two dedicated events were organised in 2025 to bring all relevant stakeholders together, enabling open exchange and convergence of views. These events were instrumental in securing a clear and shared strategic direction. A6 also established a continuous and structured dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner. In particular, we secured close coordination with CANSO on several topics, successfully avoiding duplications and ensuring complementary efforts.

What are the main challenges for A6 looking ahead to next year?

A major challenge will be the decisions on the future framework for the continuation of SESAR beyond 2027. From the A6 perspective, it is essential that ATM modernisation is addressed in an integrated perspective from R&I, industrialisation up to deployment, supported by EU funding, and managed by a single partnership working within the EU system. Another important challenge will be ensuring effective involvement in the finalisation of Common Project 2 (CP2). The definition of CP2 will provide the regulatory framework and the implementation timeline for the next wave of technological advancements in ATM. Finally, A6 will focus on the finalisation and effective follow-up of the common S3JU and EASA roadmap for the New Service Delivery Model. Turning this shared vision into concrete, coordinated actions will require close cooperation between all stakeholders, clear governance, and sustained engagement to ensure that innovation, regulation, and operational needs remain fully aligned.

What role can A6 play in the modernisation of European ATM?

A6 can play a crucial role by acting as a coordinated voice of operational ANSPs and by linking policy, regulation, and implementation. By contributing to the finalisation of Common Project 2 and supporting the New Service Delivery Model, A6 can help ensure that modernisation is realistic, operationally driven, and effectively implemented across Europe.