Creating a Digital European Sky—one that is sustainable, efficient, and connected—requires more than technology. It demands collaboration, harmonization, and innovation across the entire air traffic management (ATM) ecosystem.
As a long-standing leader in the field, Thales is helping to turn the European ATM Master Plan into reality by deploying open, safe, and secure digital platforms that drive operational excellence across Europe’s airspace.
Accelerating the Vision of a Digital European Sky
Europe’s skies are becoming busier and more complex. With air traffic volumes expected to double by 2040, the European ATM Master Plan—developed under the SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU)—sets the direction for a fully digitalized and integrated air traffic management system.
At the heart of this transformation is Thales, working with Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), regulators, and manufacturers to create a unified digital framework that improves efficiency, sustainability, and safety.
In 2024, Thales joined members of the A6 Alliance to sign a joint commitment to accelerate the transition toward a data-driven, cloud-based ATM service model. This shift will enable faster deployment of next-generation tools, streamline operations, and reduce the environmental impact of aviation through smarter, more adaptive airspace management.
Immediate Action Toward Sustainable Skies
While sustainable fuels and hybrid propulsion remain long-term goals, the European ATM community must act now with tools available today. The Master Plan calls for immediate steps—optimizing trajectories, automating workflows, and embracing dynamic airspace management—to reduce emissions and increase capacity without compromising safety.
Thales’ OpenSky Platform and upgraded TopSky-ATC solution exemplify this progress. Built on cloud-native, service-oriented architecture, these systems allow European ANSPs to adopt flexible, modular technologies that evolve alongside traffic demands.
By separating infrastructure and service layers, Thales enables national providers to innovate independently while ensuring seamless interoperability across borders.
Dynamic Airspace and AI-Driven Decision-Making
Thales technology is enabling real-time, cross-border airspace coordination, where smaller ANSPs can temporarily hand over sectors during low-traffic periods or collaborate regionally to manage surges.
This dynamic approach to airspace management boosts efficiency, reduces bottlenecks, and supports the Master Plan’s vision of a unified European sky.
Artificial intelligence is central to this transformation. AI-powered decision support tools from Thales provide real-time analytics and predictive insights to air traffic controllers, improving accuracy, reducing workload, and minimizing delays.
Combined with automation, these tools enable the European ATM network to handle growing complexity with greater safety and responsiveness.
Cybersecurity and Certification: Building Trust in a Connected Sky
As air traffic systems become more interconnected, cybersecurity and certification are critical.
Thales brings decades of expertise in secure digital infrastructure to ensure that sensitive operational data remains protected and compliant with European standards.
The upcoming EASA Design or Production Organisation (DPO) regulation will further streamline the certification of ATM/ANS equipment across the EU.
Thales’ pursuit of DPO approval demonstrates its commitment to aligning with this framework—reducing certification time, enhancing interoperability, and accelerating the deployment of innovation across Europe.
From Fragmentation to Integration: A One-Sky Vision
Europe’s current ATM environment remains fragmented by national systems and legacy architectures.
Thales advocates a product-driven, standardised approach that unifies these disparate systems through common standards and shared digital platforms, echoing successes in other industries such as telecom and banking.
This transformation—sometimes called digital defragmentation—is essential to achieving a One European Sky: a collaborative, interoperable ecosystem that maintains national sovereignty while enabling seamless operations.
“True progress will come from bottom-up collaboration between ANSPs, regulators, and industry partners,” says a Thales spokesperson. “Together, we can create a European airspace that is safer, greener, and more connected.”
Building the Future of European Airspace
As Europe moves toward the full implementation of the European ATM Master Plan, Thales continues to lead innovation that combines sustainability, safety, and scalability.
From AI-driven automation to open, cloud-based platforms, the company’s solutions are shaping the digital backbone of Europe’s next-generation air traffic management system.
Through partnership and innovation, Thales is not only enabling the Digital European Sky—it is defining it.
Source: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/news-centre/insights/civil-aviation/airspace-management/european-atm-master-plan-driving
