European air traffic management (ATM) and EUROCONTROL face a number of major challenges which need to be addressed. This will ensure that the growth of aviation in Europe is supported by a safe, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible ATM system.

The Single European Sky and the European ATM Master Plan set the scene. The common goal is to concentrate all stakeholder efforts on developing a new air traffic management system, based on an innovative concept of operation.

Coordinated implementation of the Single European Sky and the Single European Sky ATM Research Programme (SESAR), has the highest priority. It will drive the change from the current system to the future one.

EUROCONTROL’s involvement in the Single European Sky will also contribute to tackling these key challenges:

• enhance safety while accommodating air traffic growth;
• bridge the capacity gap by reducing airspace fragmentation;
• boost flight efficiency and ensure cost-effectiveness of the entire ATM system;
• mitigate aviation’s impact on the environment;
• improve security in air navigation across Europe.
• ensure close civil-military ATM coordination.