SESAR Joint Undertaking Envisions a Smarter and Greener Europe

The Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU), is a public-private partnership focused towards implementing the vision of sustainable technology-enabled aviation through the Digital European Sky. While also supporting the European Green Deal, the development of a sustainable and intelligent mobile strategy and the Single European Sky initiative.

Meeting Climate Goals By Reducing Emissions

Sustainability is a core focus for SESAR JU, with a long-term vision of reducing CO2 emissions per flight by 1.6 tonnes by 2035, matching the rate of carbon absorbed by 500 million trees. The same measures are vital to achieving the EU’s ambitious targets under the Fit for 55 package. SESAR JU is also working towards reducing emissions by introducing unique technologies and developing solutions related to air traffic management.

Smarter Skies With AI-Air Traffic Management

The SESAR JU initiative strives to modernize European Air Traffic Management (ATM), by accelerating efforts towards sustainable aviation by making the industry smarter, greener and more efficient. By incorporating innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), while collaborating across sectors, SESAR JU is positively contributing towards Europe’s vision of sustainable air travel, also maintaining relevance with the European Green Deal and the Single European Sky.

SESAR JU’s flagship Digital European Sky Initiative uses technologies like AI, automation and predictive analytics to enhance ATM, by optimizing flight paths and reducing delays. The key projects in the SESAR JU are:

• AICHAIN: This initiative uses blockchain to securely share sensitive data, leading to improved estimations of traffic and operational efficiency.
• AEROPLANE: This initiative tracks the aviation industry’s impact on climate, and provides real-time suggestions on reducing it.
• E-CONTRAIL: This initiative merges AI with real-time updates to reduce the formation of contrails, which aggravate climate change.

Cross-Border Partnerships and Investments.

The SESAR Joint Undertaking has unified and collaborated with over 200 partners including airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and technology companies to propagate scalable solutions. Till date, the organisation has successfully tested, validated and delivered 136 different technologies and solutions, which have already been adopted by different stakeholders across the European aviation industry.

These partnerships are an important factor in SESAR JU’s overall success, as they lead to the collective implementation of diverse ideas, resources, people and technology to address challenges like increasing air traffic demand and making aviation environmentally successful. With over €1.6 Billion in funding, SESAR JU’s projects continue to deliver innovative solutions and environmental viability, by supporting airlines and contributing to the European Union’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

How can smart technologies and innovative air traffic management shape the future of sustainable aviation? Share your thoughts on the European Union’s long-term vision to lead Europe in advancing green aviation solutions.