PROJECT ID

ATC-TBO

PROJECT TYPE

Industrial research

FLAGSHIP

Connected and automated ATM

STATUS

Ongoing

SESAR PROGRAMME

Digital European Sky

PROJECT DURATION

2023-10-01 > 2026-09-30

TOTAL COST

26.292.957

EU CONTR.

11.808.173

GRANT ID

101114808

PARTICIPANTS

Eurocontrol, Direction Des Services De La Navigation Aerienne (DSNA), Airbus, Indra Sistemas Sa, Naviair, Luftfartsverket, Austro Control , Hrvatska Kontrola Zracne Plovidbe, Nav Portugal, Thales Las France , Darjavno Predpriyatie Rakovodstvo Na Vazdushnoto Dvijenie, Ecole Nationale De L' Aviation Civile (ENAC), PANSA, Stichting Koninklijk Nederlands Lucht - En Ruimtevaartcentrum, Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA), DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung , Enaire, Administratia Romana a Serviciilor de Trafic Aerian, Airbus Defence and Space , Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Rockwell Collins France , Airtel Atn , Airbus Operations , Deep Blue, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Integra Consult, AirNav Ireland

Description

The project aims to validate trajectory-based operations use cases for optimised flight profiles, supporting sustainable air traffic growth. By downlinking airborne trajectories with enhanced conflict detection and resolution tools, and supported by lateral and vertical clearances, air traffic controllers can better anticipate aircraft trajectories. This enables continuous climb and descent operations with fewer tactical interventions and level-offs, reducing controller workload and optimising flight profiles. The project focuses on TBO use cases in the tactical execution phase for en-route and TMA operations, contributing to the finalisation of SESAR Phase C developed in SESAR 2020 and the realisation of the Digital European Sky vision in SESAR Phase D. It aims to validate performance benefits in terms of environmental impact, operational efficiency, capacity, safety, and cost efficiency. Key stakeholders, including flight crews and air traffic controllers, will be closely engaged to ensure operational acceptability, particularly regarding advanced automation aspects. Under the overall coordination of EUROCONTROL, the project team includes 14 ANSPs, 1 airspace user, 5 research establishments, and 1 university. A total of 21 validation exercises, including real-time simulations, are planned, with validation results for three SESAR solutions at technology readiness levels 4 and 6 due in 2026.

European Union
ATC-TBO