SINGLE EUROPEAN SKY – THE SOLUTION FOR AN AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ADAPTED TO THE CHALLENGES OF THIS CENTURY

Abstract

At the beginning of this century has become obvious that the European air traffic management system has to be reformed in order to support the increasing number and diversity of airspace users within same limits. Thus, European Commission launched a legislative package-Single European Sky Initiative-with the intention of covering legal, economic, safety, environmental, operational, technological and institutional aspects of aviation with the aim of ensuring safe conditions for operating the aircraft. As to reach the envisioned level of ambition has been created an appropriate framework-Single European Sky ATM Research Program-to develop and implement a pan-European airspace management system that will enable tripling air traffic while reducing delays, improving air safety, reducing the environmental impacts and ATC cost. Moreover, has been agreed upon a continuous updated roadmap-the ATM Master Plan-with the aim to make possible the transformation of ATM operational concept in order to support SES objectives. The responsibility for the coordination and management of research and development of all necessary projects is SESAR Joint Undertaking which organizes, coordinates and ensures the necessary financing activities, ensures the involvement of European ATM sector stakeholders, organizes technical research and development, validation and study activities, and supervises activities related to the development of common products properly identified in the ATM Master Plan.