The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (JU), a European partnership tasked with the digital transformation of European Air Traffic Management (ATM), has awarded the Sopra Steria-Egis consortium the SESAR 3 Development Support Service (S3DSS) contract. The objective of this project is to support the programme management activities for the implementation and monitoring of the organisation’s research activities.
Building on the work of the first SESAR Joint Undertaking, the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking is an institutionalised European partnership created in 2021 between private and public sector players. Its aim is to accelerate the delivery of the Digital European Sky (DES) through research and innovation. SESAR 3 JU is defining, developing, and accelerating the market uptake of the most advanced technological ATM solutions to manage conventional aircraft, drones, air taxis and vehicles flying at higher altitudes in a smart, safe and sustainable manner.
The Sopra Steria-Egis consortium brings together a unique combination of locally delivered expertise in managing complex programmes and ATM business knowledge, to contribute to the objectives of Digital European Sky research and innovation programme.
Steering highly complex programmes for aircraft manufacturers, ministries of EU member states, international organisations and European institutions, Sopra Steria has a dedicated ATM business line through its Aeroline vertical. Its ATM services have been developed over more than 25 years, now counting some 270 industry-recognised ATM experts. Our team provides engineering, consultancy services and innovative solutions to key ATM stakeholders in Europe.
Egis adds a complete range of skills required to support the ideation and development of ATM solutions, from consultancy to technical expertise. The company has a strong track record in contributing to and managing large projects in an international context. With more than 200 ATM experts, Egis has extensive knowledge of all aspects of the SESAR research and innovation pipeline through its contribution to the SESAR 1 and SESAR 2020 programmes - the predecessors of the SESAR 3 – plus work with the SESAR Joint Undertaking and several of its members.
Through this eight-year, €30 million contract, the consortium led by Sopra Steria, will assist the SESAR 3 JU and its members in the overall development and delivery of SESAR solutions. The consortium’s main objective will be to support the programme management activities of the SESAR 3 JU. S3DSS will contribute both to the ramp-up and operations of the new Digital European Sky programme and the wrap up of the SESAR 2020 programme.
“The Sopra Steria-Egis partnership brings together two companies that have been working in a complementary way for 20 years, especially in several partnerships for the Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne (DSNA). We combine Air Traffic Management, Complex Programme Management expertise with a digital transformation approach in a European context. I am confident that our expertise will provide a high level of support to accompany the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking in achieving its goals,” said Michel Lorgeré, Sopra Steria Benelux’s CEO.
Frederic Mor, CEO Aviation of Egis said: “This contract reinforces our leadership in Europe’s ATM modernisation efforts and supports SESAR 3 JU’s vital role in building a resilient and sustainable Digital European Sky. The SESAR 3 JU is looking for a project management partner with an in-depth understanding of ATM institutions, and the SESAR development cycle, as well as a track record of effective innovation and collaboration. The Sopra Steria-Egis team will provide all this and more from its growing Brussels office.”