Brussels, 09/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - Nine months after it was made operational, the joint enterprise SESAR, set up to develop the technological dimension of the single European sky programme and modernise of air traffic control in Europe, began its work in most of the 300 projects planned for completing this process. By the end of the year, SESAR may be mobilising 3000 to 4000 people from 17 countries in the EU. According to Patrick Ky, the Executive Director of the company, who met EUROPE on Friday 5 March, the potential figure of personnel being involved is double the current number. In 2010 there will be particular focus on environmental projects (the company aims to reduce harmful flight emissions by 10%) with the launch of the second phase of the AIRE programme (Atlantic Interoperability Initiative to Reduce Emissions) and a number of other projects already launched, such as the airport project (an aeroplane landing guidance programme that aims to facilitate their approach phase) and whose results are expected out later this year. Mr Ky explained that, “we are testing technologies that already exist. We have really implemented them from an operational point of view. We are going to test them in real conditions in 2010 so that in 2011 they can be put into service”. He added that, “this is the most difficult stage We can demonstrate that we are capable of doing things but now we have to do this systematically and we are going to do this in 2010 …”
On Tuesday 9 March, the company published the results from the AIRE programme to reduce the carbon footprint of Atlantic flights, by way of improved use of existing technology (EUROPE 9448). 400 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of emissions from 100 cars a year have been saved during the tests carried out on 1 552 commercial flights in three different areas: landing operations, procedures at the terminal and trajectory procedures. Mr Ky indicated that, “the things we tested were very simple: in Paris we flew using a single engine”. He also highlighted the fact that the procedures tested should be translated into operational procedures and extended to companies not participating in the programme. Mr Ky explained that, “if this is being done in Paris (Charles-de Gaulle), there is no reason for it not being done in Frankfurt or in London”. Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines and PLL LOT might join the five airlines (TAP Portugal, Air France, Icelander, Novair, Iberia) participating in the programme. The procedures tested are expected to be more focused on aeroplane trajectory planning, in an effort to reduce the maximum time waiting to take off.
Discussions are also taking place on the programme deployment phase and funding for SESAR after 2013. Mr Ky cited that, “I am convinced that out of the €35 billion (the estimated cost for the SESAR deployment phase), we need public funding to enable airlines and air traffic control providers to be encouraged to urgently purchase equipment”. According to Mr Ky inter-institutional discussions are expected to take place under the Belgian presidency of the Council. He also said that, “obviously, the question is one of who can manage this kind of money. It is clear that if the European Union provides SESAR with funding, it should have the right of scrutiny”. Another significant example of progress would come with the finalisation of a memorandum of understanding between the US and EU, which has been subject to negotiations between the Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). SESAR would be responsible for the technical dimension of the agreement (onboard aeroplane embarkation technology, new telecommunication systems and technical data exchange), which seeks to guarantee inter-operability between the European and American systems of air traffic control management (NextGen). (A.By.)