Proud to share that the ESSP SAS together with its partners Airtel ATN, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, EUROCONTROL, ENAV have successfully completed its activities within the HERON project, together with an excellent consortium of partners across Europe including ENAIRE, DSNA/DTI... Over the past years, we have been working to advance the ADS-C Common Service, a key enabler for modernising datalink communications and paving the way for more scalable, service-oriented air traffic management.

Throughout the project, our team collaborated closely with airlines, Communication Service Providers, ANSPs, industry, and SESAR experts to validate the service concept, demonstrate system performance, and explore the operational benefits of providing ADS-C functionalities through a shared, harmonised infrastructure.

One of the highlights was presenting our work at the HERON Final Dissemination Event, where we showcased the evolution of the service—from concept, to prototype, to pre-operational demonstration and proto-service. The photos capture that moment: the ADS-C service story brought to life on the big screen, representing the collective effort of many dedicated contributors.

As we close this phase, we’re encouraged by what comes next. The HERON project has demonstrated that common services are not just feasible—they can be a solid foundation for the future of European datalink services, supporting increased interoperability, efficiency, and resilience.

A sincere thank you to Airbus (as coordinator of the project) and all partners, colleagues, and stakeholders who contributed to this journey. A special thanks to the supporting airlines easyJet, Air France, British Airways, Iberia, Transavia, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, and Brussels Airlines.

On to the next steps for a more connected and service-oriented ATM!