Collaboration on TBO will create a more efficient ATM system that benefits everyone

Boeing continuously strives to make all aspects of aviation as efficient as possible because operational efficiency is key to safety, cutting costs and protecting our planet. And this is where trajectory-based operations (TBO) comes in – as an innovative approach to air traffic management which is set to transform how airlines and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) operate.

TBO is about sharing, maintaining and using trajectories (such as flight data). By enabling aircraft, ANSPs and airline operations centres to communicate seamlessly, we can optimise flight paths, balance traffic and reduce delays. Imagine a world where flights are smoother, more predictable and less prone to disruptions—that’s the promise of TBO.

At the heart of TBO is the digital exchange of flight trajectories. This shift from traditional voice communication to automated, data-driven interactions allows for timely collaboration among everyone involved in airspace management. With closed-loop clearances, aircraft can execute their agreed trajectories with precision, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

When conditions like weather updates or runway restrictions change, messages such as WIXM (weather), AIXM (runway restriction), FIXM (conflict), or FLXM (controlled time) are sent out. Trial route and revision requests are then shared to negotiate flight path adjustments. Air traffic control (ATC) then issues a clearance as an update of the aircraft’s route to the Flight Management System (FMS) using Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC). The aircraft closes the loop by sending back what is loaded in the flight management system (FMS) to ATC to confirm it’s on track, creating a dynamic, responsive, safer and more optimised air traffic environment.

It leads to better planning, less uncertainty and more reliable flight operations. This means reduced fuel consumption, fewer disruptions and a smaller environmental footprint. In fact, TBO could account for a significant portion of the expected 10-12% reduction in aviation emissions from improved operational efficiency.

Key components include robust data communications between aircraft and ANSPs, as well as the global rollout of System Wide Information Management (SWIM). This system connects aviation operations on the ground, allowing for smooth trajectory negotiations. The US and Europe are already making strides in implementing these technologies. ICAO standards are largely completed, and other regions of the world are also developing and implementing their own adoption roadmaps. Much has already been accomplished in the past decade, but full implementation of TBO across the various regions will likely take another decade. As a core part of the sector’s net zero ambitions, deploying the necessary technologies needs to be done at the right pace and in a coordinated manner.

Boeing is at the forefront of this transformation and we are determined to continue advocating for the swift deployment of TBO capabilities. We’re excited about the potential of connected aircraft, which can enhance TBO implementation and deliver early benefits to airlines.

On board a connected aircraft are four core elements: mobile Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) linked to an aircraft interface device (AID); broadband connectivity for the EFB; applications in the EFB for pilot engagement in collaborative decision-making through aircraft access to SWIM, and downlink via the EFB of aircraft operational intent obtained through the AID.

As part of the broader suite of digital tools on board our efficiency-leading aircraft, this latest generation of TBO equipment allows pilots to engage in collaborative decision-making and share operational intent in real time.

To make TBO a reality, the entire ecosystem needs to be focused on efficient flight planning and trajectory negotiation throughout the flight. From the airline Flight Operations Centres (FOCs) there will need to be flight planning for efficient trajectories, and trajectory negotiation in all phases of flight, gate to gate, using the features of FF-ICE for negotiating digital flight plans. Up-linking to the flight deck of trajectories must be agreed to with ATC. There will need to be decision support applications such as those Boeing developed for Ryanair in the EU SESAR project called SWIM-Enabled Airline. Other requirements from FOCs include chat communications with pilots through the EFB, including receiving EPP (Extended Projected Profile)-like aircraft operational intent; a trajectory predictor to create a full EPP to provide to ATC with climb and descent profiles, speeds, weather, weight and waypoint cross-over times, and real-time situation awareness obtained through SWIM and linked to analytics and decision support automation for timely disruption management.

ANSPs also play a crucial role by sharing and negotiating trajectories across different airspace regions and managing traffic flow effectively. They will need compatibilities which include sharing and negotiating trajectories across multiple flight information regions; traffic flow management informed by demand-capacity balancing that provides some time-based metering and closed-loop clearances, using trajectory uplinks and downlinks through ATC or FOC datacom (ATC voice communications may be used to clear aircraft to execute the trajectory).

Efficiencies take an entire, collaborative village to achieve.

One of our standout initiatives is the Multi Regional Trajectory-Based Operations (MR TBO) project, which we launched in collaboration with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). This innovative project aims to optimise flight trajectories, leading to fuel savings and reduced emissions. By integrating advanced data analytics, we’re enhancing decision-making for airlines and air traffic management and deliver optimised route updates that significantly reduce fuel use, flight times and emissions.

The proof of concept developed under the project was then installed on Boeing Flight Test electronic flight bags for the ecoDemonstrator 787 aircraft. The successful delivery of trajectory advisories and other actionable insights to the pilots and onboard systems was then used to adjust flight paths in real time.

The MR TBO project showcased the power of collaboration among airlines, air traffic control and regulatory bodies. Working together, we can create a more efficient air traffic management system that benefits everyone.

Boeing Research & Technology Europe has been instrumental in these efforts. Our talented teammates in Madrid and Munich are a core part of aerospace innovation in Europe – from testing the first crewed hydrogen flight nearly two decades ago in Spain to our continued commitment to collaborating with local and European Union partners to make the impossible possible. We proudly support collaborative efforts to create a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in Europe through partnerships like SESAR Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager and Horizon Europe. With TBO having been identified as a critical lever in the revised European ATM Master Plan, we look forward to offering experiences that we have made around the world in ensuring that our common ambitious objectives are achieved.

Focusing on validating solutions that enable digital negotiation of flight plans will ensure smooth transitions between different ANSPs as aircraft cross borders, maintaining reliable connectivity and data exchange.

As we look to the future, Boeing is committed to advancing TBO as a vital part of modernising air traffic management. The MR TBO project is just one example of how we are leveraging talent and technology from across Europe and globally to enhance flight operations, improve safety and reduce our environmental impact. We are delighted to be working on this and many more efficiency optimisation drives in partnerships with European industry and institutions.

Together, we can shape a more efficient, safe and sustainable future for air travel.