Next generation ATS platforms for en-route and TMA operations

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking is offering funding opportunities under the Horizon Europe program, specifically focused on developing next-generation Air Traffic Services platforms for en-route and Terminal Manoeuvring Area operations. This initiative aims to enhance air traffic management through various research and innovation actions.

Eligible applicants include private companies, research institutions, universities, and public entities related to aviation and air traffic management. Collaborative consortia must contain at least three Air Navigation Service Providers and either an established ATS system manufacturer or demonstrate the capability to create required system prototypes.

The funding type is a lump sum grant under Horizon Europe’s framework, emphasizing co-funding at a rate of 30%. Applicants can expect funding amounts ranging from €1 million to €31 million, depending on the specific work area within the broader call.

The call encompasses multiple work areas, each with distinct focus areas and budgets. The project aims to achieve Technology Readiness Level 6, meaning projects should validate their technologies in relevant environments. The application process will be a single-stage submission, with a deadline set for September 16, 2025.

Key project areas include developing solutions for trajectory-based operations, enhancing connectivity between air and ground systems, integrating artificial intelligence for improved decision-making, and ensuring cybersecurity measures. Proposals will be evaluated based on excellence, impact, and implementation.

Overall, this funding opportunity targets the modernization of European air traffic management systems, facilitating a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient aviation sector through collaborative innovation and advanced technologies. Successful applicants will contribute significantly to the objectives outlined in the European ATM Master Plan.

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (JU) is offering funding opportunities under the HORIZON Call Digital European Sky Industrial Research 02 (HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02). These opportunities aim to advance the next generation of Air Traffic Services (ATS) platforms for en-route and Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) operations. The research focuses on developing state-of-the-art ground technologies and innovative aircraft capabilities, targeting automation level 4 as defined in the European ATM Master Plan, while also considering a Trustworthy AI approach.

The call encompasses several specific work areas (WA) with dedicated budgets and objectives:

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA1-1: ATC TBO contribution to TBO concept development.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 20,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 10,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 2.
 * Focus: Contributing to the European and global Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) concept of operations, including ATC aspects, human-machine teaming, and coordination with ICAO.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA2-1: Operational use of weather information and climate impact assessment.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 14,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 7,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 2.
 * Focus: Utilizing satellite imagery, ground cameras, and LIDAR for weather prediction and climate impact assessment, particularly for contrail avoidance.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-1: Next generation ATS platforms for en-route and TMA operations.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 93,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 9,000,000 to EUR 31,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 3.
 * Focus: Developing next-generation ATS platforms with advanced capabilities, including climate impact reduction, trajectory optimization, dynamic capacity scaling, cybersecurity, and human-machine teaming.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-2: SWIM enabled service for cross-border data sharing.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 20,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 5,000,000 to EUR 10,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 2.
 * Focus: Enhancing cross-border data sharing through SWIM-enabled services to improve ATM efficiency and interoperability.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA4-1: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for ATM.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 24,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 5,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 2.
 * Focus: Integrating AI and ML capabilities into ATM systems for improved decision-making, automation, and prediction.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA4-2: Cyber resilience and security for ATM.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 6,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 2.
 * Focus: Enhancing the cyber resilience and security of ATM systems, including virtual centers and ADSPs, against cyber threats.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA5-1, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA5-2, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA5-3: Enhanced air-ground and ground-ground connectivity.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (RIA).
 * Budget: EUR 30,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 3,000,000 to EUR 6,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 1 per WA.
 * Focus: Improving connectivity between air and ground systems, including the use of ATS B2, CPDLC, and SWIM, to support increased automation and trajectory management.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-1, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-2, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-3: SWIM and data service enablers.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Innovation Actions (IA).
 * Budget: EUR 20,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 1 per WA.
 * Focus: Developing SWIM-enabled data services and enablers to facilitate data sharing and interoperability across the ATM network.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA7-1: Coordination and Support for ATM modernisation.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).
 * Budget: EUR 2,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 2,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 1.
 * Focus: Coordination and support activities to facilitate the modernisation of ATM, including stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA7-2: Environmental and societal impact assessment.
 * Type of action: HORIZON JU Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).
 * Budget: EUR 1,000,000.
 * Opening date: 2025-04-01.
 * Deadline: 2025-09-16.
 * Contribution: EUR 500,000 to EUR 1,000,000 per grant.
 * Indicative number of grants: 1.
 * Focus: Assessing the environmental and societal impacts of ATM modernisation efforts, including noise, emissions, and local air quality.

Key Technologies and Concepts:

*  ATS platforms: Development of next-generation Air Traffic Services platforms for en-route and TMA environments.
*  TBO: Trajectory Based Operations, aiming at optimizing flight trajectories from planning to execution.
*  AI and ML: Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for enhanced decision-making and automation.
*  ATS B2: Exploitation of ATS Baseline 2 capabilities for increased automation levels.
*  CPDLC: Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications for efficient data exchange.
*  SWIM: System Wide Information Management for improved data sharing and interoperability.
*  ADS-B: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast for enhanced surveillance.
*  LEO VHF: Use of Low Earth Orbit Very High Frequency voice and datalink in remote areas.
*  PQC: Post-quantum cryptography algorithms for enhanced cybersecurity.
*  FF-ICE/R2: Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment, Release 2.
*  AFUA: Advanced Flexible Use of Airspace.
*  RNP and RNP APCH: Required Navigation Performance and RNP Approach.
*  NADP: Noise Abatement Departure Procedures.
*  SID and STAR: Standard Instrument Departure and Standard Terminal Arrival Route.
*  AMAN: Arrival Manager.
*  iOAT: integration of operational and administrative traffic.
*  ATFM: Air Traffic Flow Management.
*  TTA: Target Time of Arrival.
*  DMA: Dynamic Mobile Areas.
*  DCB: Demand Capacity Balancing.
*  INAP: Initial National Airspace Plan.
*  WER: Wake Energy Retrieval.
*  SAF: Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
*  LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging.
*  FMS: Flight Management System.
*  HMI: Human Machine Interface.
*  ADS-C EPP: Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract Extended Projected Profile.
*  ICAO ATMRPP and ATMOPS panels: International Civil Aviation Organization ATM Requirements and Performance Panel and ATM Operations Panel.
*  NIA: Network Impact Assessment.
*  FOC: Flight Operations Centre.
*  ANSP: Air Navigation Service Provider.
*  ACC: Area Control Center.
*  TMA: Terminal Maneuvering Area.
*  UDT: Unconstrained Desired Trajectory.
*  FSA: Flight Status Application.
*  G/G coordination: Ground to Ground coordination.
*  NM: Network Manager.
*  ED-254 messages: Standardized messages for SWIM.
*  eFPL: electronic Flight Plan.
*  FANS 1/A: Future Air Navigation System.
*  ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization.
*  ATMOPS: ATM Operational Panel.
*  ATMRPP: ATM Requirements and Performance Panel.
*  ADSP: Aeronautical Data Service Providers.
*  VDLM2: VHF Data Link Mode 2.
*  CNS: Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance.
*  ECO-area or ECO-spot: Volume of airspace that is considered to be eco-sensitive from the non-CO2 perspective.
*  LAQ: Local Air Quality.
*  MET: Meteorology.
*  RRP: Re-routing Proposal.
*  DTG: Distance To Go.
*  MET prediction: Meteorological prediction.
*  MRS: Minimum Radar Separation.
*  MWS: Minimum Wake Separation.
*  TLS: Target Level of Safety.
*  WER: Wake Retrieval Energy.
*  ODO: Optimised Descent Operations.
*  OCO: Optimised Climb Operations.
*  KEA: Key Performance Environment indicator based on actual trajectory.
*  iOAT: integration of operational and administrative traffic.

Applicant Requirements:

*  Consortia must include at least three Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).
*  Consortia must include an established ATS system manufacturer or demonstrate the operational and technical capability to build the required ATS system prototypes.
*  Proposed target architecture must align with the service delivery model outlined in the European ATM Master Plan for a typical ACC.
*  Beneficiaries must make proactive efforts to share all relevant results with other grants awarded under the same call on a royalty-free basis.
*  Beneficiaries must make available for reuse under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory conditions all relevant results generated, through a well-defined mechanism using a trusted repository.
*  If the purpose of the exploitation measures is related to standardisation, beneficiaries must grant a non-exclusive license to the results royalty-free.
*  If working on linked actions, beneficiaries must ensure mutual access to the background and results of ongoing and closed linked actions.
*  A collaboration agreement is required.

Evaluation Criteria:

The weighting per criteria in addition to the general award criteria is as follows:
*  Excellence: 40%
*  Impact: 40%
*  Implementation: 20%

All applicants who have submitted proposals under this topic will be invited to participate in a hearing. The evaluation committee may be composed partially of representatives of EU institutions and agencies (internal experts).

Financial Aspects:

*  A funding rate of 70% applies to all beneficiaries, regardless of their legal status.
*  Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.
*  The maximum project duration is 36 months.

Timeline:

*  Opening Date: 01 April 2025
*  Deadline Date: 16 September 2025, 17:00:00 Brussels time

This call for proposals under the HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02 framework represents a significant opportunity for organizations involved in air traffic management to secure funding for research and innovation projects. The focus is on developing the next generation of ATS platforms, integrating AI, enhancing cybersecurity, and reducing the environmental impact of aviation. By fostering collaboration between ANSPs, system manufacturers, and research institutions, the SESAR 3 JU aims to drive the transformation of the European airspace, making it more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. The call covers a wide range of research areas, from trajectory optimization and dynamic airspace management to advanced communication technologies and environmental performance dashboards. Successful projects will contribute to achieving the goals outlined in the European ATM Master Plan and pave the way for a more automated, connected, and environmentally friendly aviation sector. The lump sum funding model and the requirement for collaboration agreements encourage efficient resource allocation and knowledge sharing among beneficiaries.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly defined in the provided text. However, based on the context of SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) and Horizon Europe, eligible applicants are likely to include Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), established ATS system manufacturers, research institutions, universities, and potentially SMEs and large enterprises involved in aviation and air traffic management. The requirement for consortia to include at least three ANSPs suggests that ANSPs are key eligible applicants.

Funding Type: The funding type is primarily a grant, specifically a HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-RIA) and HORIZON JU Innovation Actions (HORIZON-JU-IA) and HORIZON JU Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-JU-CSA) under the HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] model.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required. Specifically, consortia for the topic HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-1 must include at least three ANSPs and either an established ATS system manufacturer or evidence that the consortium has the operational and technical capability to build the ATS system prototypes required for the research at the required maturity level.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is primarily focused on EU and associated countries, as indicated by the reference to Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Horizon Europe Programme Guide, which outlines eligibility for non-EU/non-Associated Countries.

Target Sector: The target sector is primarily air traffic management (ATM), with a focus on developing next-generation Air Traffic Services (ATS) platforms. This includes research and innovation related to air traffic control, communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS), meteorology (MET), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, trajectory-based operations (TBO), demand capacity balancing (DCB), human-machine teaming, and reducing the environmental footprint of aviation.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are explicitly mentioned. The focus is on European ATM and coordination with ICAO at a global level. Thus, the relevant region is primarily the EU, with potential involvement of associated countries and international coordination.

Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project is technology readiness level (TRL) 6, as stated: "For completing TRL6, proposals may need to consider the execution of integrated validation activities involving the output of one or more projects in WA1 and/or WA5." This indicates that the projects should aim to demonstrate technologies in a relevant environment.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific work area (WA) within the topic HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02. The contribution ranges are as follows:
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA1-1: €4,000,000 to €10,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA2-1: €2,000,000 to €7,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-1: €9,000,000 to €31,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA3-2: €5,000,000 to €10,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA4-1: €5,000,000 to €12,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA4-2: €1,000,000 to €3,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA5-1, WA5-2, WA5-3: €3,000,000 to €6,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-1, WA6-2, WA6-3: €2,000,000 to €5,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA7-1: €1,000,000 to €2,000,000
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA7-2: €500,000 to €1,000,000

Application Type: The application type is a single-stage call, meaning that applicants submit a full proposal at once.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant to cover eligible costs.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage for submission, followed by an evaluation process that includes a hearing for all applicants.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each work area is provided, allowing for an estimation of the competition level.

Co-funding Requirement: A funding rate of 70% applies to all beneficiaries, regardless of their legal status, implying that co-funding of 30% is required from the beneficiaries or other sources.

Summary: This is a Horizon Europe call under the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, focusing on research and innovation actions (RIA), innovation actions (IA) and coordination and support actions (CSA) aimed at developing next-generation Air Traffic Services (ATS) platforms. The call seeks to advance the Digital European Sky, improve air traffic management, enhance automation, increase cybersecurity, reduce environmental impact, and support trajectory-based operations. Consortia must include at least three Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and either an established ATS system manufacturer or demonstrate the capability to build ATS system prototypes. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant, with a 70% funding rate, and projects are expected to reach Technology Readiness Level 6. The call is structured around several work areas (WAs), each with a specific budget and expected outcomes, all contributing to the overall goals of a more efficient, safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable European ATM system. Applicants will participate in a hearing to clarify their proposals.