On 22 September, the European Commission published their proposal [1] (plus annexes [2]) to upgrade the Single European Sky regulatory framework, with the primary objective being to modernise European airspace, increase resilience and adapt air traffic management capacity to meet demand as well as ensuring more sustainable and efficient trajectories. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted aviation and has caused a severe drop in traffic demand, we believe that this is also an opportunity to 'build back better', aligned with the political goals and ambition of the European Green Deal and a Europe that is fit for the digital age.

ERA, IAOPA, EBAA and EHA have jointly reviewed the proposal, and our initial response to the main elements contained in the SES2+ draft can be found here [3]. Whilst we jointly support many of the improvements laid out in the regulation, we encourage the European institutions to address and work on the concerns raised. We are ready to work together to ensure the regulation supports the entire the aviation value chain, the European regions and ultimately European passengers so that they receive the level of service and the financially and environmentally sustainable ATM framework they deserve.

Further meetings between the airspace user associations and DG MOVE to discuss our concerns will be held later this month. This will be followed up by a wider stakeholder debate with Industry Consultation Body on 1 December.