Visit to Enav's ATM modernisation projects shows SESAR deployment in Italy

Several projects falling under the funding framework of "Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Transport" were selected by INEA - the European Commission's (EC) Innovation and Networks Executive Agency - and EC DG MOVE for an official visit in Rome hosted by Enav (the Italian air navigation service provider and implementing partner of these modernisation projects) and in close cooperation with the SESAR Deployment Manager. During the visit, Enav demonstrated the value of its projects in terms of activities and results relating them to the broader context of SESAR deployment in Europe.

The European Commission and INEA met Enav in Rome, to witness the achievements of four selected projects - namely Free Route Implementation in Italy, COFLIGHT, Geographical Database for Procedures Design and AIS System Upgrade to support AIXM5.1.

The visit was the occasion to visualise Pilot Common Project (PCP) concepts in operation and underlying technologies, their synchronised deployment, performance improvement for the network, multiple stakeholder's involvement and more in general Enav's participation in the CEF funding framework.

"The implementation projects are one of the main drivers to successfully deploy new technologies and operational concepts thus strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the entire EU air transport value network. Today's showcase visit demonstrates how SESAR concepts are translated into tangible implementation; this will enable industry partners to achieve a common aviation strategy for Europe as well as making the Single European Sky a reality," stated Iacopo Prissinotti, Enav Head of International Strategies during his keynote address.

The significant financial support awarded by the European Commission towards the deployment of new concepts and technologies through INEA (Connecting Europe Facility) is a key instrument for the European Air Traffic Management sector: by doing so, Air Navigation Service Providers, Airlines, Airports and Industry work together with joint cooperative efforts to deliver common values, standards and products for an integrated air transport sector at European level.

Henrik Hololei, Director General, Mobility & Transport at European Commission: "Partnership is key to develop a sustainable and efficient global air transport capable of responding to societal and market needs for the benefit of people, businesses and the entire aviation value network. The European Commission is firmly committed to make change happen in the aviation sector, in particular through the deployment of SESAR solutions, co-funded by the EU."

Dirk Beckers, INEA's Director said: "Each of these four projects represents a piece in the implementation of the Pilot Common Projects, which aim to deploy essential functionalities for the improvement of Europe's ATM performance. In particular, we are happy to see that the investments made are already bringing tangible benefits in terms of reduction of fuel consumption, CO2 and costs to airspace users and, consequently, to all passengers."

Massimo Garbini, Managing Director at SESAR Deployment Manager stated: "SESAR Deployment Manager is pleased that also in 2017 several projects are being showcased to the European Commission and INEA. This is a clear indication that SESAR is delivering. Today we have already 29 fully completed projects bringing concrete benefits to EU passengers."

This was the fifth visit since the start of these visits in March 2016. All implementing partner visits aim to recognise the concrete results from a timely and successful implementation of the Pilot Common Project - six essential Air Traffic Management functionalities co-financed by the EC to facilitate comprehensive and synchronised deployment.