Europe for Aviation strives for improved ATM in Europe

Nine European institutions showcased their joint vision and progress toward a more modern and effective air traffic management (ATM) system in Europe at Airspace World, the annual three-day ATM trade fair held in Lisbon this week. Airspace World 2026 took place from 26 to 28 May in the Portuguese capital, attracting around 7000 aviation professionals from 145 countries.

The nine organizations ran a joint stand under the concept Europe for Aviation (E4A), laying out their complementary activities and joint projects and explaining how, together, they are shaping a more modern and competitive European airspace.

"We represent a united European ATM community working toward one shared goal: a smarter, more connected European sky," Filip Cornelis, Director for Aviation at DG MOVE at the European Commission said in a speech at the stand. "Unlike most other exhibitors here in Lisbon we are not providing ATM services. Our role is assisting the operational stakeholders, and of course the Member States and partners, to shape the environment in which the ATM system works in Europe. We are putting the strategic processes in place to create a more modern and competitive European airspace."

The demand for air transport is steadily increasing, growing geopolitical tensions require greater flexibility for military operations, and sustainability aims call for the most fuel-efficient processes and trajectories; there is a requirement to modernize ATM. This modernization entails applying digital, interoperable processes to overcome the fragmentation that has historically characterized Europe and improve performance. Enabling factors include centralized certification processes, harmonization, faster innovation deployment, and civil-military coordination.

E4A partners - what each contributes to the future of ATM

Each of the nine aviation organizations exhibiting in Lisbon has a specific role in the context of ATM described below. In some cases, this is one element in a wider remit.

- European Commission: Sets out the long-term vision for a digital, sustainable, and interoperable Union sky.
- CINEA (Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency): Funds sustainable and innovative aviation projects.
- EUROCONTROL: Advances standards of civil and military aviation and supports safe and efficient operations across the pan-European network.
- EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency): Ensures certification and standardization of ATM systems.
- EUROCAE: Develops worldwide recognized industry standards for aviation.
- EUSPA (European Union Space Programme Agency): Provides satellite services for navigation.
- SESAR Joint Undertaking: Drives research and development to deliver innovative and digital-ready ATM solutions.
- SESAR Deployment Manager: Turns innovation into reality by coordinating the deployment of new ATM solutions.
- EDA (European Defence Agency): Enhances air military mobility across Europe's skies, assuring interface and interoperability between civil and military.

(article source: EASA / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)