Technology evolves quickly. Belgocontrol strives to be one of the front runners and closely follows the development of the European programme for the harmonisation of technological systems. This programme is called SESAR (=Single European Sky ATM Research). It aims to modernise the European infrastructure for air traffic control. 
It will combine technological, economic and regulatory aspects by making the most of the Single Sky legislation and synchronising the implementation of new equipment in all Union Members States so that the aircraft equipments meet the development of systems on the ground.
To cope with the expected air traffic growth that should double by 2020, air traffic control will clearly have to start up in the meantime a real technological revolution for fear of stifling air transport, if not a part of the European economy.
This programme consists of several steps. The first SESAR phase, called the definition phase, is being finalised. It is financed among others by the Commission by way of the Trans-European networks and is placed under the authority of Eurocontrol. This definition phase, which will end in 2008, will be carried out by a representation of the air community. It will provide a modernisation roadmap of the European ATC, giving Europe’s common vision and commitment on its future air traffic control.
The second SESAR phase is the development phase until 2013 followed by the implementation phase (until 2020).
SESAR - Technological Harmonisation
