The general objective is to modernise transport infrastructure on the Core and Comprehensive Networks of the TEN-T.

In accordance with the Article 9(2)(b)(ii) of the CEF Regulation, works and mixed projects will be supported relating to projects that implement Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) ground and airborne infrastructure, routes and procedures that mandated under Commission Implementing Regulations (EC) No 29/2009 (DLS Regulation), (EC) No 1207/2011 (SPI Regulation) and (EU) 2018/1048 (PBN Regulation) limited to the domains listed below and that are not addressed by the Common Project One (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116).

The DLS and SPI Regulations are planned to be transposed to the EASA Regulatory framework by September 2023.

1. Performance Based Navigation (PBN Regulation)

Projects in this domain must implement PBN routes and procedures, in accordance with the requirements of the PBN Regulation, whose deadline for implementation is 6 June 2030. Projects must cover one or both of the following topics:

1. TMA airspace optimisation, implementing SIDS and STARS using required PBN specifications as an integral part of the airspace re-design project to reduce emissions in line with sustainability goals and increase efficiency. Airspace optimisation should enable decommissioning of ground navigation infrastructure to improve cost-efficiency without compromising safety and security. The deployment of ground navigation infrastructure and costs for decommissioning ground infrastructure are not eligible for funding.

Actions should support TMA airspace optimisation implementing SIDS and STARS using PBN specifications, not only as an additional overlay of existing procedures, but as an integral part of airspace re-design to improve performance in terms of capacity, safety, cost efficiency and environment.

1. Equipping aircraft (retrofit or forward fit) with:

• SBAS capable avionics able to make operational use LPV procedures;
• Avionics able to make operational use of RNP1/RNAV 1 SIDs and STARs.

1. Datalink Services (DLS Regulation)

Projects in this domain support the deployment of avionics upgrades to resolve identified interoperability issues (e.g. avionics identified in the recommendations that EASA has issued in the SIBs related to VDF deafness).

Projects may cover additional avionics updates that enable airspace users who are already equipped with datalink avionics compliant with the DLS regulation to take full advantage of the operational datalink service without any restriction (as, for example, the limitations imposed by the log on list). The avionics upgrades should be included in the list of deployment recommendations/ implementation projects for operators established by the Datalink Support Group. Applicants must provide evidence that the avionics upgrades are fully interoperable with currently deployed datalink systems by all Communication Service Providers and air navigation service providers.

VDL-2 link is used simultaneously by ATC and AOC (Airline Operational Control) services and applications. AOC communication constitutes a major part of bandwidth usage and ATC applications, such as CPDLC or ADS-C/EPP, are more demanding with regard to safety and technical performance. The volume of AOC data that is sent over VDL-2 is continuously growing and this link could be saturated in the coming years due to lack of bandwidth. A ‘VDL-2 capacity crunch’ could occur in some sectors of the core area in 2027-2030 timeline. In this context, projects may include the implementation of avionics or ground systems upgrades to optimise/reduce the use VDL-2 link by AOC traffic by offloading non-time critical data to off-the-shell technologies when aircraft are on the ground.

Actions to deploy datalink technologies other than VDL-2 (e.g. SATCOM, LDACS, etc.) to support ATC and AOC operations are not eligible for funding in this call.

1. ADS-B (SPI Regulation)

Projects in this domain must support the synchronised evolution of airborne and ground surveillance infrastructure aiming to enhance surveillance services by deploying and using ADS-B technology to improve performance, to reduce costs, to improve spectrum usage and to reduce risk of over interrogations.

In order to enable synchronised implementation, these projects must include:

1. Operational use of ADS-B data within its surveillance infrastructure to achieve an optimal combination of ground surveillance infrastructure by air navigation service providers. The projects should enable decommissioning existing radar infrastructure and therefore must include a plan for decommissioning the existing surveillance infrastructure.

and

1. Equipping aircraft with avionics with ‘ADS-B out’ by airspace users that are exempted to comply with the requirements in the SPI Regulation (e.g., military and General Aviation) when it facilitates ANSPs to achieve an optimal combination of surveillance infrastructure (e.g. by decommissioning radars that are maintained to provide service to non-ADS-B equipped aircraft).

Projects must be proposed by consortia grouping service providers and airspace users not mandated under the scope of SPI Regulation, operating within the same local environment.

The projects must include the decommissioning plan, to be implemented within the duration of the action, of legacy infrastructure thus demonstrating the engagement of stakeholders for rationalisation.

The deployment or upgrade of radars and WAM systems are not eligible for funding. The costs for decommissioning infrastructure are not eligible for funding.

General Requirements for ‘Other ATM Projects’

Applicants are encouraged to team up and submit a single proposal also for the PBN and Datalink CNS projects. Consortia are encouraged to include all relevant operational stakeholders and manufacturers under a common coordinator.

Funding will not be awarded for projects that implement deployments that, mandated under Union Law - in particular relating to the single European sky legislation - whose deadline for implementation has expired by the date on which this call is published. Costs incurred after the deadlines established in the above-mentioned legislation will not be eligible for funding.

Proposals must include a milestone requiring the submission of requests to the competent authorities for the certification/approval of the relevant CNS avionics, infrastructure, route or procedures (e.g., airworthiness approval or publication in AIP) if they are necessary for operational implementation.

Decommissioning activities must be included and implemented within the duration of the action. Failure to complete the decommissioning work for PBN and ADS-B projects within the duration of the action will lead to a 10% reduction of the corresponding grant.