CNS PM

Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Programme Manager

Driving forward the modernisation & optimisation of CNS in Europe

THIS IS PART OF
Optimised operational performance | Network Manager
Communications, navigation and surveillance
Civil-military cooperation in aviation

EUROCONTROL in its role as CNS Programme Manager (CNS PM) collaborates with the entire aviation sector on CNS optimisation and modernisation in Europe through synchronised deployment of the CNS equipment for a safer, more efficient and sustainable air traffic management.

In today's rapidly evolving aviation landscape, legacy systems generally continue to perform reliably, but certain technologies may no longer fully meet the demands for increased capacity and improved performance. The CNS PM is committed to work with national stakeholders to deliver a coordinated and efficient evolution of CNS infrastructure. The CNS PM efforts ensure that Europe's air traffic management remains at the forefront of global standards, addressing current challenges and preparing for future advancements.

Our role

In July 2023, the European Commission (EC) invited EUROCONTROL to take on the role of CNS PM under the existing Network Functions Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/123. The appointment followed recommendations from the CNS Advisory Group, which identified the need for a centralised management approach to ensure effective planning, deployment, and synchronisation of CNS technologies.

Our deliverables

The CNS PM is tasked with developing and maintaining the European CNS Evolution Plan, working closely with stakeholders to define common objectives and implementation strategies, and ensuring regulatory alignment across Europe.

CNS Evolution Plan 2024 - cover

CNS Evolution Plan 2024

2024
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Minimum Operating Network Concept and Design Criteria - cover

Minimum Operating Network Concept and Design Criteria

1.2
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Key objectives of the CNS Programme Manager

  • Developing the European CNS Evolution Plan:
    A roadmap for optimising and modernising CNS infrastructure, fully aligned with the European ATM Master Plan, ensuring coherence with regulatory and technological developments.
  • Ensuring Synchronised Deployment:
    Coordinating stakeholders to implement CNS systems in a harmonised and efficient manner by leveraging structured cooperative processes and regional/global coordination efforts. This includes a strong collaboration with national in the Member States, and aligning with SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (SJU), EASA, and ICAO to ensure global interoperability and regulatory coherence.
  • Facilitating Cooperative Decision-Making (CDM):
    Establishing and continuously refining consultation processes, including the existing CDM process and complementary CNS institutional coordination, to ensure transparency, stakeholder engagement, and broad buy-in. This involves organising industry-wide consultation initiatives and workshops for operational stakeholders, Member States, and institutional partners.
  • Enhancing Regulatory and Institutional Coordination:
    Collaborating with institutional partners such as EASA, EDA, PRB, SDM, and SJU to align policy and regulation in support of the European CNS Evolution Plan. This includes addressing regulatory needs, supporting standardisation efforts with ICAO and EUROCAE, and ensuring efficient use of aeronautical radio spectrum at both European and global levels.
  • Supporting Investment and Business Case Development:
    Developing business cases at both network and local levels to support decision-making for European CNS Evolution Plan implementation. This includes providing local business case templates, identifying incentivisation schemes, and assessing financial and funding opportunities. The CNS PM will leverage cost-benefit analysis tools to evaluate infrastructure optimisation and potential economic impacts, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and a coordinated investment approach.
  • Promoting Spectrum Strategy:
    Developing a long-term European Spectrum Strategy in collaboration with States and the European Commission (EC), ensuring coordinated spectrum policy and management to support CNS evolution.

Stakeholder engagement

Stakeholder engagement is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the CNS Evolution Plan. Thus, the CNS PM relies on Cooperative Decision-Making processes, including existing arrangements and consultation mechanisms, to ensure transparency, collaboration, and wide buy-in.

Target groups:

  • Member States, operational stakeholders from ANSPs, airspace users, and military authorities, institutional partners, industry and manufacturers, 
  • space stakeholders and professional staff associations.

Consultation channels

  • Joint CNS Stakeholder Platform (JCSP):
    An advisory body jointly chaired by EUROCONTROL and EASA, bringing together a wide range of CNS expertise from operational stakeholders, Member States, partner organisations, industry players, and other entities. This diverse expertise provides a robust technical platform for the CNS PM to leverage in its work.
  • SESAR Deployment Manager Stakeholder Consultation Platform (SDM SCP):
    The CNS PM will leverage the SDM structured operational stakeholder consultation processes, to ensure synchronisation with the SESAR Deployment Programme and to secure buy-in from stakeholders.
  • Iterative Evolution Process facilitating a collaborative approach between the network and national/State level:
    The European MON concept design will evolve over time. Feedback from stakeholders is constantly gathered to evaluate the design’s effectiveness and suitability. Iterative updates are made accordingly to accommodate evolving requirements and technological advancements. This process allows for timely adaptation to emerging needs, ensuring the European MON design remains responsive to dynamic operational requirements and external influences.

CNS Evolution in Europe Training

Do you want to enhance your knowledge about the evolution of CNS in Europe? Join us for the [CNS-EVOL] classroom course!

This dynamic five-day program offers a deep dive into the future of European CNS infrastructure, providing a strategic framework for modernisation and optimisation, including the CNS Evolution Plan.

Through expert-led presentations and hands-on exercises, you'll explore key topics like spectrum management, civil-military interoperability, and the EU regulatory framework. Network with industry professionals, exchange best practices, and align with global CNS modernisation initiatives.

Next course dates: 24-28 November 2025.

Register

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