Thales and Sopra Steria announce strategic partnership enabling digital transformation of European Air Traffic Management
- Thales and Sopra Steria form a strategic partnership to drive the digital transformation of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) ecosystem in Europe.
- The two companies will develop and offer a digital platform– OpenSky Platform - and associated services to support greener aviation.
- This ultra-secure, open-architecture platform offers long-term flexibility and interoperability for ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers) in Europe. This initiative by Thales and Sopra Steria supports the objectives of the latest European Air Traffic Management Master Plan to harmonize flight operations in Europe.
Paris, FRANCE – February 18, 2025 – Thales (Euronext Paris: HO), a global high technology leader, and Sopra Steria (Euronext Paris: SOP), a major player in the European Tech sector, announce a new multiyear partnership, which will lead the digital transformation of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) industry in Europe. The two players will combine their industrial and digital expertise in ATM to offer Thales’ OpenSky Platform, a safe, secure digital platform, together with associated services to support sustainable aviation and modernise European ATM. Through its dedicated aerospace organisation, Aeroline, Sopra Steria will support Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) with digital transformation challenges.
The new version of the European ATM Master Plans aims to drive the digital transformation of ATM in Europe. The Thales and Sopra Steria strategic partnership will support this new strategic direction for Europe, as well as enabling the migration to a new service delivery model for ANSPs.
ATM systems need to support the continuous growth of air traffic, support ANSPs offer more sustainable aviation services, and be compliant with the latest safety and cybersecurity standards and requirements. This can be done by using open architectures and interfaces, to ensure that ANSPs have access to best-of-breed components, applications and systems over the long-term.
Adopting open architectures in ATM enhances interoperability between third-party systems, drives cost efficiencies and facilitates the seamless integration of new technologies. The Thales OpenSky Platform is a fully open, cyber-secure platform which ensures that ANSPs are able to benefit from this digital transformation, without compromising the safety and security of ATM solutions.
Thales and Sopra Steria aim to innovate together, in order to support the current and future challenges and transformation strategies of air traffic management.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with Thales’ ambition to support the digital transformation of ATM in Europe. Achieving this transformation requires a strong focus on the resilience and cybersecurity of our platforms. Through this strategic partnership, Thales is extending its cybersecurity expertise and end-to-end digital transformation capabilities in the ATM sector.” said Christian Rivierre, VP Airspace Mobility Solutions, Thales.
“This partnership with Thales enables us to offer our customers innovative, high-performance and secure solutions for air traffic management, by combining our air traffic management development strategy, as well as recognised expertise and assets throughout Europe.” commented Xavier PECQUET, member of Sopra Steria’s Executive Board and Director of Aeroline.
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
