26 November 2024: As a key component in realising a sustainable, efficient and resilient Digital European Sky, the research and development pillar of the Single Sky becomes an even more pressing priority. ERA was therefore delighted to take part in the annual SESAR Innovation Days held in Rome which offered a unique platform for knowledge exchange, and bringing academia and industry together to discuss and tackle the main challenges.

From 11-15 November, Rome hosted the 14th SESAR Innovation Days (SIDs), where over 600 researchers, industry leaders and policymakers gathered to explore the future of European air traffic management (ATM).

Organised by SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) and hosted by Aeroporti di Roma, ENAV, and Leonardo, the event showcased 54 technical papers, 37 posters, and dedicated plenary sessions focusing on R&D topics including climate-optimised trajectories, innovative air mobility, and quantum computing.

With ERA also participating actively in several SESAR solutions, offering our expertise and insight into regional operations, this was a fantastic opportunity to discuss with the different projects the specific needs and operational challenges that are unique to our sector.

The first plenary session emphasised strategies for achieving net-zero emissions through trajectory-based operations, enhanced data access, and system-wide technology deployment. With the European ATM Master Plan due to be published in the forthcoming weeks, its role as a roadmap for optimising operations and reducing environmental impact was discussed in detail.

In the second session, experts discussed the integration of innovative air mobility (IAM) vehicles and drones, stressing the need for updated flight rules to ensure seamless airspace integration as automation advances. New entrants in the regional air mobility space has the potential to add complexities for conventional regional airline operators and is an area that the association continues to follow with great interest.

The third plenary session explored quantum computing, focusing on future applications in areas like cybersecurity and service optimisation. Although in its infancy, the possibilities of what can be achieved with this technology has the potential to revolutionise the way ATM is done in the future.

The 2025 SESAR Innovation Days will be held next December, hosted by Pipistrel in Slovenia. Further details will be provided once available.