Network strategic tool

The network strategic tool (NEST) is simulation software for network capacity planning and airspace design.

NEST is a scenario-based modelling tool developed by EUROCONTROL. It is used by the air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and the EUROCONTROL Network Manager to:

• optimise the available resources and improve performance at network level;
• design and develop the airspace structure;
• plan the capacity and performing related post operations analyses;
• organise the traffic flows in the air traffic flow and capacity management (ATFCM) strategic phase;
• prepare scenarios to support fast and real-time simulations;
• Ad-hoc studies at local and network level.

Our tool can also be used locally by area control centres (ACCs), airports and globally by other stakeholder involved in strategic planning at the network level.

NEST is scenario-based. Users can make changes to the original dataset or reference scenario to model an unlimited number of different operational planning options. It can process and consolidate large quantities of data spanning multiple years, but also allows the user to drill down into the detail and analyse and observe 10-minute periods of data.

NEST uses datasets provided by EUROCONTROL at the end of each AIRAC cycle, describing the consolidated pan-European airspace and route network, the traffic demand and distribution as well as the EUROCONTROL traffic forecasts. Also a daily cumulated traffic with minimal environment is provided every day, allowing to access traffic data before the end of the AIRAC. It provides a suite of data visualisation features including tables, charts and fully integrated capabilities for creating 2D/3D presentations.

Future traffic samples

NEST can generate future traffic samples using traffic growth forecasts provided by STATFOR. Airport capacities and curfews can be used to constrain traffic growth.

4D traffic distribution

NEST can calculate 4D flight trajectories for a given route network, taking into account aircraft performance data, route restrictions and flight level constraints, SID & STAR and military area opening times. The traffic can be distributed via shortest, cheapest (using route charges) or optimum (using overloads) routes.

Configuration optimiser

NEST can propose an optimum operational opening scheme according to controller availability, sector configurations and sector/TV capacities. The model balances working time and overloads, based on a customisable optimisation strategy.

Regulation builder

NEST automatically calculates the period and capacity required to smooth detected overloads. The model can be customised to mimic operational behaviours.

Delay simulation

NEST can calculate ATFM delays over an entire day for any scenario, taking into account the network effect.