The SESAR JU ASTAIR project has reached a key milestone with the successful completion of its final AI validation activities, paving the way for a new concept definition that will shape future airport operations.

From 12 to 16 May 2025, project partners gathered at ENAC in Toulouse to carry out a week of intensive real-time simulations. The aim: to evaluate the operational relevance and maturity of AI-powered Human-Machine Interfaces in complex airport environments. These activities culminated in a Final Workshop held on 27 May, bringing together stakeholders to reflect on the results and the way forward.

During the validation week, air traffic controllers and airport operations professionals tested AI-supported tools in both nominal and non-nominal scenarios, using real-time and fast-time simulation techniques.

At Charles de Gaulle Airport, AI systems assisted with pushback coordination, taxi management and conflict detection. The Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique was used to measure situational awareness during simulation pauses.

In more complex scenarios, such as emergency returns or blocked parking stands, the AI worked alongside ATCOs to support decision-making in fast-changing situations. Simulations explored two levels of automation: Level 2, which promotes active interaction with AI, and Level 3, which allows ATCOs to supervise AI-led decisions. These distinctions sparked important reflections on trust, delegation and the future role of humans in airport operations.

Post-simulation feedback was gathered through structured debriefings and questionnaires, focusing on usability, cognitive workload, situational awareness and overall trust in AI tools. A dedicated session with ground operations professionals added further insights, especially on evolving roles such as tug fleet management, supported by AI planning for towing and taxiing.

Held on 27 May, the ASTAIR Final Workshop brought together aviation stakeholders to review the validation results and begin shaping the future concept. The session allowed participants to assess how AI integration could be scaled into real-world airport operations and provided a strategic platform to align on use cases and priorities.

This final stage of validation marks ASTAIR’s readiness to enter the Maturity Gate assessment (TRL1), with results feeding directly into the upcoming validation report and concept definition deliverables. The project stands as an important step towards digitalising airside operations and integrating trustworthy, human-centred AI into the heart of air traffic management.

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