GALAAD is progressing through its validation roadmap with three key exercises: two technical tests focusing on ground system connectivity and new cockpit functionalities, followed by an operational exercise to assess the solution in a real-world context. Our experts— Giusy Sciacca (Responsible for Transition Manager from ENAV), Michael Kupfer (Product Manager AMAN from Frequentis), and Jiri Svoboda (Engineer from Honeywell)—share their insights on these critical validation steps. Watch the accompanying video for more details.
The growing challenge of Air Traffic Congestion
Every day, thousands of flights converge in terminal airspace, creating a highly congested and complex environment. Pilots continuously receive instructions to adjust flight plans based on operational constraints, weather conditions, and airspace saturation. However, these adjustments often occur in a fragmented manner, leading to inefficiencies, increased fuel consumption, and higher CO₂ emissions.
What if this process could be smoother, more integrated, and predictive? GALAAD tackles this challenge with an innovative solution that intelligently connects ground systems, Air Traffic Management (ATM), and onboard avionics.
To validate its effectiveness, the project is undergoing a structured testing phase with three key exercises.
Exercise 1: Ground system connectivity
Michael Kupfer, Product Manager at Frequentis, provides insights about the first technical test, which focuses on the seamless exchange of data between the Frequentis Arrival Manager (AMAN), the simulator, the ATM system, and the ADS-C module . This exercise evaluates how AMAN’s trajectory advice can help manage arrival delays while also testing the reception and processing of simulated Extended Projected Profile (EPP) data. This real-time data exchange is crucial for achieving a more synchronised and responsive ATM system.
Exercise 2: New cockpit functionalities
Jiri Svoboda, engineer at Honeywell, explains that the second test is cockpit-centric, assessing the integration of new functionalities within the Flight Management System (FMS). The goal is to enable a more dynamic trajectory management process, supported by next-generation avionics.
Traditionally, pilots and air traffic controllers exchange instructions to modify flight paths, but GALAAD introduces a more automated and interactive approach. The enhanced FMS allows pilots to evaluate and confirm trajectory changes in real time, downlinking them to Air traffic controller (ATC) via ADS-C EPP data. Additionally, advanced energy management capabilities are being tested to optimise fuel efficiency and ensure safer flight operations
Final Step: Operational validation
The third exercise will consolidate insights from the previous tests to conduct a real-time operational simulation with Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) experts. This phase will assess GALAAD’s feasibility under conditions that closely mimic real-world scenarios, measuring its impact on key performance areas such as capacity, environmental performance, and safety.
Why GALAAD matters
A more efficient air traffic system means reduced delays, lower fuel consumption, and improved resource management. GALAAD is paving the way for a smarter, more adaptive, and sustainable ATM system, capable of responding dynamically to operational challenges without compromising efficiency or safety.
For a deeper dive, watch the video below (in particular from 0'28"" till 2'20").