Deep Blue, alongside ENAV, Leonardo, and Aeroporti di Roma, is strengthening Italy’s leadership in European research and promoting the integration of artificial intelligence into the sector.
From 12 to 15 November 2024, Rome will host the SESAR Innovation Days (SID) 2024, organised by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking – an institutionalised European partnership between private and public sector partners set up to accelerate through research and innovation the delivery of the Digital European Sky. This premier event in European aviation innovation will spotlight cutting-edge solutions for the management of conventional aircraft, drones, air taxis, remote towers, and even suborbital flights.
Hosted by ADR – Aeroporti di Roma, ENAV, Leonardo, and held at the Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi, SID 2024 serves as a pivotal convention for discussing the ideas and technologies set to enhance aviation’s safety, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Deep Blue’s Role in AI-Driven Aviation Progress
Italian SME Deep Blue, based in Rome, joins ADR, ENAV, and Leonardo in representing Italy’s excellence in European research, contributing innovative AI solutions to the aviation sector. Since 2001, Deep Blue has supported the development of human-centered solutions for the aviation industry, focusing on safety, human factors, and more recently, artificial intelligence applications. With over 120 EU research projects completed, including 20 as a coordinator, Deep Blue leads the way in Horizon programme contributions to European aviation innovation (European Commission).
At SID 2024, Deep Blue’s experts will showcase AI-enhanced tools designed to optimise human-technology collaboration in air traffic control. These innovations, such as digital assistants for pilots and controllers and predictive analytics tools for air traffic management, underscore the company’s commitment to intuitive, safety-driven solutions for aviation professionals.
As Simone Pozzi, CEO of Deep Blue, notes, “SID 2024 is a crucial milestone for European aviation. Partnering with ADR, ENAV, and Leonardo, we’re dedicated to shaping the sector’s future by integrating AI and pioneering Human-AI collaboration models that prioritise safety”.
Deep Blue also adopts a rigorous AI Assurance framework, ensuring that AI implementation in aviation meets the highest safety standards. The company’s expertise in legal and ethical evaluations enables responsible, sustainable AI adoption, providing the industry with a well-rounded technological transition.
“Our mission is to develop solutions that enhance air transport safety and efficiency, with a strong focus on people-centric, ethical, and legal considerations for new technologies. Our participation in SID 2024 underscores our commitment to supporting the Digital European Sky through responsible, forward-looking innovation” adds Pozzi.
Italy leading in Europe: excellence and cooperation in the Aviation Sector
Italy’s prominent role in SESAR’s research and innovation projects highlights the nation’s ability to excel in European aviation through a strong alliance among major industries, SMEs, universities, and research centres. With €30 million in European funding and a third-place ranking in Europe for the number of projects completed, Italy demonstrates the strength of its innovative ecosystem, built on solid and productive collaborations at both national and European levels. Italian SMEs play a significant role, leading Europe with 49 companies involved in sector projects. Among them, Deep Blue stands out as the top SME in Europe and the leading Italian organisation, with 24 SESAR projects and nearly €8 million in funding.
These achievements stem from close cooperation between Italian and European organisations, collectively driving the technological transformation and sustainability of the aviation sector. Italy’s success in the SESAR programme is tangible proof of the effectiveness of European scientific and technological collaboration, showcasing a successful model of progress rooted in shared innovation and collective advancement.