Thales and Sopra Steria Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation in European Air Traffic Management

Thales and Sopra Steria Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation in European Air Traffic Management

(IN BRIEF) Thales and Sopra Steria have entered a strategic partnership to advance the digital transformation of Europe’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) ecosystem. The collaboration will focus on the development of the OpenSky Platform, an ultra-secure digital solution designed to enhance sustainability, interoperability, and efficiency in European aviation.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 18-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales and Sopra Steria have announced a groundbreaking partnership to lead the digital evolution of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) landscape across Europe. The collaboration will see the two companies jointly develop and deploy the OpenSky Platform, a secure, open-architecture digital solution aimed at supporting the transition to greener aviation. This partnership combines Thales’ high-tech expertise and Sopra Steria’s extensive digital capabilities to provide Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) with a flexible and scalable solution to meet the challenges of modern air traffic management.

The OpenSky Platform will serve as a cornerstone of the European ATM Master Plan, which is focused on driving the sector’s digital transformation and harmonizing flight operations across Europe. The platform’s open architecture will ensure long-term flexibility and interoperability, allowing ANSPs to integrate the latest technologies, improving efficiency and sustainability in the aviation industry.

Sopra Steria’s aerospace division, Aeroline, will work closely with ANSPs, guiding them through the digital transformation process and addressing the complexities of modernizing ATM systems. The collaboration will help ANSPs meet the growing demands of air traffic management while aligning with the latest safety and cybersecurity standards.

“By adopting open architectures and interfaces, we can ensure that ANSPs are equipped with the best components, applications, and systems available, fostering cost savings and seamless integration with future technologies,” said Christian Rivierre, VP Airspace Mobility Solutions at Thales. “This partnership is perfectly aligned with Thales’ goal to lead the digital transformation of ATM in Europe, with a strong emphasis on resilience and cybersecurity.”

Xavier Pecquet, Member of Sopra Steria’s Executive Board and Director of Aeroline, added: “Our partnership with Thales allows us to offer a comprehensive suite of innovative, secure, and high-performance solutions for air traffic management. By leveraging our combined expertise, we are helping to shape the future of ATM and provide sustainable solutions to our customers across Europe.”

The new partnership reflects a shared vision for the future of ATM in Europe, emphasizing flexibility, sustainability, and cutting-edge security as the foundations of the sector’s digital evolution. With the OpenSky Platform at the forefront, Thales and Sopra Steria are paving the way for a new era of efficient, safe, and sustainable air traffic management across the continent.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

About Sopra Steria

Sopra Steria, one of Europe’s leading players in the field of technology, with 52,000* employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, services and digital solutions. It helps its customers drive their digital transformation and achieve tangible, lasting benefits. The Group provides a global response to the competitiveness challenges of large companies and organisations, combining in-depth knowledge of business sectors and technologies with a collaborative approach. Sopra Steria puts people at the heart of what it does and is committed to helping its customers make the most of digital technology to build a positive future. In 2023, the Group generated revenue of €5.8 billion.

*Revalued following the disposal of Sopra Banking Software in September 2024.

The world is how we shape

Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) – ISIN Code: FR0000050809

For more information, visit our website at www.soprasteria.com/fr**Le monde est tel que nous le façonnons 

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SOURCE: Thales