The European way to reach these goals is outlined by the EUROCONTROL EATMP Programme (i.e. Airport Operations) and ATM2000+ Strategy as well as the ACARE SRA work. They identify airports as the future bottlenecks of air transport and see mid-term solutions in: '...enhanced operational concepts, supported by new decision-making or decision-support tools to ensure more efficient use of the airport infrastructure...'.

They say 'A-SMGCS are seen as key R&D topics' (ACARE). Holistic approaches like A-SMGCS are seen as the most promising way to achieve the necessary paradigm shift.

The A-SMGCS project 'EMMA' aims to become the most significant R&D contribution to these goals in the 2004 to 2008 timeframe by maturing and validating the A-SMGCS concept as an integrated air-ground system, seamlessly embedded in the overall ATM system. In a two-phase approach, EMMA will first consolidate the surveillance and conflict alert functions, and in the successor project of the second call focus on advanced onboard guidance support to pilots and planning support to controllers.

The European position in the global ATM market will be strengthened through EMMA by setting de facto standards for A-SMGCS systems and their operational usage and streamlining of existing products. The EMMA consortium is setting this frame of consolidated accepted standards for operational and technical concept, procedures, safety and interoperability by joining forces of highest A-SMGCS excellence from users, industry and R&D organisations. Extensive operational live trials proving the usefulness and completeness of the operational and technical requirements frame will form the basis for efficient A-SMGCS production and implementation throughout Europe in a time to market approach.