SESAR is playing an important role, alongside other stakeholders in the ATM value chain, by addressing inefficiencies in air traffic management. Through our research and innovation programme we are seeking to bring about a digital transformation in ATM,  developing technological solutions that can deliver a “perfect flight” in terms of carbon emissions reduction and that can create a fully connected airspace.

This requires looking at every phase of the flight and use of the airspace, and seeing what technologies can be used to eliminate fuel inefficiencies. It also requires synchronised data exchange and operations on the ground and in the air to ensure maximum impact.

Much of the focus of the work has been on making taxi-out operations more predictable and efficient, reducing  holding patterns and vectoring in terminal airspace upon arrival; and optimising trajectories through the use of i4D, among other technologies. All of which bring fuel savings.

A perfect flight is composed of several innovative procedures, including:

• Optimised climb and descent operations, which are already implemented at several European airports
• Free routing in the cruise phase of flight, to be operational Europe-wide by 2025
• Optimised extended arrival management, eliminating unnecessary holding, fuel burn and emissions with planned implementation across Europe by 2025
• Steeper approaches for landing, helping to reduce noise levels around airports between now and 2030