BrazilThales and Sopra Steria launch OpenSky Platform to advance air traffic control
France-headquartered groups Thales and Sopra Steria have signed a strategic partnership to launch a new platform that will help improve flight operations across European skies.
The multiyear partnership will see the two companies develop and offer the OpenSky Platform, a new digital platform that will support the operations of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).
The initiative comes shortly after the latest European Air Traffic Management Master Plan was launched, which aims to modernise and harmonize air traffic management, with the end goal to turn the European airspace into the most efficient and sustainable airspace in the world. A key pillar of the masterplan is the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the transition from silo-based approaches to a more integrated way of working, including at the level of ANSPs.
“Our strategic partnership will support this new strategic direction for Europe,” said Thales and Sopra Steria leaders Christian Rivierre and Xavier Pecquet.
For ANSPs, the OpenSky Platform will support the way how they handle air traffic operations, and ensure compliance with the latest safety and cybersecurity standards and requirements. Through more intelligent air control and better collaboration between ANSPs (Europe has over 25 ANSPs), the platform will also contribute to a more sustainable aviation sector.
Technically, the platform is based on a ‘best-of-breed’ approach, meaning that it brings together different leading systems into one orchestrated platform. Another pillar is the use of an open architecture, which enhances interoperability between ANSPs, drives cost efficiencies and facilitates the seamless integration of new technologies.
“The Thales OpenSky Platform is a fully open, cyber-secure platform which ensures that ANSPs are able to benefit from this digital transformation, without compromising the safety and security of air traffic management solutions,” said Rivierre and Pecquet in a joint statement.
Once ANSPs decide to implement the OpenSky Platform, then Sopra Steria will be in the lead for implementing the platform – these services will be offered by its dedicated aerospace organisation, Aeroline.
Both Thales and Sopra Steria are well-known companies in the aviation and aerospace sector. Thales is a specialist in high tech, while Sopra Steria is a consulting and technology services provider.
