Master Thesis : "Policy and Decision Making in the Context of Aviation Modernization in Europe"

Abstract

The European aviation sector is under increasing pressure to upgrade its infrastructure, operations, and technology in order to meet evolving safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental standards. Among these imperatives, the modernization of Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems is particularly crucial for effective Air Traffic Management (ATM) satisfying the growing demand and ensuring optimal performances. Despite numerous initiatives, significant challenges hinder timely CNS deployment. This study addresses these challenges through an extensive literature review to elucidate the key factors slowing the modernization and proposes a framework for selecting effective policies to accelerate it. It dives into the dynamics among the involved actors, explores obstacles associated with adopting new technologies, and offers a spectrum of strategies to promote aviation modernization, encompassing increased competition, streamlined regulatory processes, financial incentives, and enhanced cooperation among operational stakeholders. The thesis focuses primarily on understanding the hurdles in aviation infrastructure modernization and provides a practical decision-making guide to expedite the process. It offers insights for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and operational stakeholders on the potential policy options and regulatory interventions to overcome delays and inefficiencies in the CNS implementation. Employing multi-criteria analysis as an evaluative framework, the thesis underscores critical considerations for policy selection in aviation, facilitating more effective decision-making. This framework can be extended beyond CNS modernization and be used as practical guide in designing and prioritizing policies that hasten the adoption of innovative technologies in aviation.