17 April 2024
The European Commission Director-General for Mobility and Transport visits Dublin Air Traffic Tower as AirNav Ireland CEO advocates for increased innovation in aviation.
Dr. Peter Kearney, CEO of AirNav Ireland, urged for continued collaboration between the EU and the aviation sector to enhance innovation for safety and climate efficiency. Welcoming Ms. Magda Kopczyńska, the European Commission’s Director-General for Mobility and Transport, to the Air Traffic Control Tower in Dublin ahead of the TRA Conference starting on April 15th, Dr. Kearney emphasised the potential for the Commission to foster 'a unity of purpose' in advancing technical solutions for air traffic safety and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts, within the framework of SESAR, the EU’s programme for air traffic management (ATM) modernisation.
"Ireland has actively contributed to the development and implementation of such innovations in partnership with our European counterparts. Initiatives like the SESAR Joint Undertaking (JU) have leveraged technology to enhance flight management, while COOPANS has empowered air traffic control operators with cutting-edge technology. Consequently, aircraft safety has improved, with faster travel times and reduced fuel costs and emissions," he stated.
Against the backdrop of up to 10.2 million flights in Europe last year, discussions between the Director-General and Dr. Kearney also centred on the imperative to invest in innovations that improve the sustainability of the sector. They discussed the European ATM Master Plan, the roadmap for ATM modernisation, and underscored the urgent need for a pan-European effort to attract talent across all sectors.
During a tour of the Dublin Air Traffic Control Tower, Ms. Kopczyńska engaged with members of the air traffic control team witnessing firsthand the SESAR solutions which are enhancing day-to-day operations. Dublin has been one of the first in Europe to deploy Point Merge - implemented in December 2012, Dublin Point Merge streamlines the way in which aircraft are sequenced to land at Dublin Airport and uses new techniques to assist aircraft to fly in Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) to the main runway. As an active member of the SESAR JU, AirNav Ireland continues to advance the delivery of new technologies and procedures to support a smarter and more sustainable use of the airspace.
The visit comes ahead of Transport Research Arena (TRA), Europe’s largest transport research and technology conference, taking place in Dublin and attracting 3,000 delegates, where innovations delivered by SESAR JU and its members, including AirNav Ireland will be on show.
QUOTE FROM AIRNAV IRELAND
“Collaboration between the European Union and the aviation sector is paramount for driving innovation that ensures safety and sustainability. At AirNav Ireland, we're committed to partnering with the EU and our European counterparts to advance technical solutions for air traffic management. Our visit from Ms. Magda Kopczyńska, the European Commission’s Director-General for Mobility and Transport, underscores the importance of this collaboration. Together, we're shaping a smarter, more sustainable aviation future for Europe.”
Dr. Kearney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Director-General, affirming AirNav Ireland's commitment to collaborating towards the necessary changes for fostering a sustainable and efficient aviation sector in Europe.
QUOTE FROM DG MOVE
“I'm delighted to visit AirNav Ireland and witness firsthand how controllers are ensuring the seamless and secure management of our skies,” remarked Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. “It's equally fascinating to delve into how innovations driven by SESAR are truly transforming day-to-day operations. Collaborative efforts are crucial to ensure the aviation sector is future-ready and capable of meeting its critical climate objectives.”
QUOTE FROM SESAR JOINT UNDERTAKING
“As a member of our partnership, AirNav Ireland is playing a central and pioneering role in efforts to modernise air traffic management and deliver a greener Digital European Sky,” said Andreas Boschen, Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking. “We count on their contribution to accelerate the pace of change and deliver the innovative solutions that benefit Europe’s citizens and our industry.”
Notes to editors
About AirNav Ireland
AirNav Ireland is a commercial semi-state company employing approximately 600 people at six locations around Ireland. AirNav Ireland has one primary function, which is to provide air traffic management and related services within the 451,000km2 of airspace controlled by Ireland. To facilitate this, we employ over 200 air traffic controllers in Dublin, Cork and Shannon and 50 radio officers in Ballygirreen, Co. Clare to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic.
About SESAR
The SESAR Joint Undertaking is an institutionalised European private-public partnership set up to accelerate through research and innovation the delivery of the Digital European Sky. The partnership is developing cutting-edge technological solutions to manage conventional aircraft, drones, air taxis and vehicles flying at higher altitudes. The SESAR JU partnership brings together the EU, Eurocontrol, and more than 50 organisations covering the entire aviation value chain.