A major step towards the Digital European Sky has been taken with the successful validation of a next-generation air traffic control platform, developed under a SESAR JU project. The work supports the move towards virtual centres and dynamic airspace delegation, both key enablers of a more flexible and scalable air traffic management system.
The project in question, iSNAP, focuses on the development of Solution 0417 – Next Generation ATC Platform, using state-of-the-art digital technologies and modern system architecture. The third and final round of validation exercises under Work Package 2 took place on 3 June at Indra’s facilities in Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain. Carried out using real-time simulation techniques, the tests brought together multiple technology evolutions to demonstrate the maturity and integration of the new platform.
The exercises covered three key domains:
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Integration in PaaS: validated hybrid deployment using universal installation tools, error detection, authentication and authorisation services, and global system supervision
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HMI evolution: assessed the connection between the controller working position remote display unit and the APP-based client, alongside access to operational supervision from a global system
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Recording evolution: tested system resilience during network storage failures, communication recording, automated file handling and compression, and configuration settings
These evaluations followed earlier exercises in middleware and communications and Supervision Evolution, rounding out the five core components of the platform. Together, they mark a decisive step in integrating next-generation services into a unified air traffic control environment.
To celebrate the achievement and share insights, a hybrid open day was held on 5 June at the iTEC SkyNex room. Attended by technical and strategic partners, the event featured live demonstrations, technical deep-dives and open discussions on the validated areas.
The event highlighted not only the technical advances achieved but also the strong collaboration driving the project forward. With Solution 0417 validation now complete, the iSNAP project stands ready to support the transformation of Europe’s ATM infrastructure.
