Integrating space-based ADS-B into EUROCONTROL’s network operations system brings major predictability gains and will unlock future capacity
In a major operational enhancement of the EUROCONTROL Network Manager’s (NM) operational systems, real-time air traffic surveillance data derived from Aireon’s space-based ADS-B system has now been integrated into NM’s Enhanced Traffic Flow Management System (ETFMS). The new data will significantly boost air traffic predictability by up to 20%, improving operational efficiency and resilience while unlocking capacity for the future that will help reduce environmental impacts.
“Once the pandemic is contained and air traffic resumes, it will be crucial that we have an air traffic management system in place that can adapt quickly to varying traffic demand in the safest, most sustainable and efficient manner. The integration of space-based ADS-B marks a significant milestone for building the ATM system of the future which will benefit all aviation stakeholders.”
"EUROCONTROL has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the deployment and operation of innovative technology and services. They are the first provider to use space-based ADS-B for flow management. We are confident that space-based ADS-B data, provided from well-beyond the EU borders and shared with Member States, will facilitate world-wide gains in efficiency and environmental sustainability, while also reducing delays for customers. Global airspace harmonization is one step closer to becoming a reality."
Aireon’s space-based ADS-B has been integrated into the EUROCONTROL NM’s ETFMS and is now supporting active operations. It will enrich ETFMS’s complex traffic demand and slot allocation calculations, which currently rely on ground-based surveillance data and flight plan processing systems. As a result, Europe’s primary flow management system will be more accurate in its trajectory predictions and unlock further capacity. Information on long-haul traffic, such as flights crossing the Atlantic, will now be received up to six hours prior to a flight’s entry into European airspace, which significantly improves the predictability of inbound traffic in the NM area.
The deployment of space-based ADS-B is a key steppingstone in EUROCONTROL’s digital transformation, creating the next generation of operational systems with the integrated Network Management (iNM) programme. iNM will ensure that the future NM operational system is scalable in the safest, most sustainable and efficient manner.
If you want to learn more about the integration of space-based ADS-B into EUROCONTROL’s network operations system, watch our video with our Director Network Management Iacopo Prissinotti and the NM operations team to learn how the use of space-based ADS-B data will improve NM services to its customers.
About ADS-B
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast is an air traffic surveillance technique that relies on aircraft broadcasting their identity, a precise GPS position and other useful position information. This signal (ADS-B Out) can be captured for air traffic surveillance purposes on the ground or on board other aircraft in order to facilitate airborne traffic situational awareness, spacing, separation and self - separation (ADS-B In). ADS-B is widely seen as a means to replace radar as the primary surveillance method for controlling aircraft worldwide.
For further information:
Aireon
Jessie Hillenbrand
Aireon
Tel: +1 571 401 1407
Email: [email protected]
EUROCONTROL
Kyla Evans
EUROCONTROL
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +32 2 729 5095
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About Aireon LLC
Aireon has deployed a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon is harnessing next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that were formerly ground-based and, for the first time ever, is extending their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Space-based ADS-B surveillance covers oceanic, polar and remote regions, and augments existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon is providing a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system, available to all aviation stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.aireon.com.
About EUROCONTROL
EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organisation with 41 Member and 2 Comprehensive Agreement States. We are committed to supporting European aviation and building, together with our partners, a Single European Sky that will deliver the air traffic management (ATM) performance required for the twenty-first century and beyond.
Over 1,900 highly qualified professionals spread over four European countries work at EUROCONTROL, deploying their expertise to address ATM challenges.
For more information, please visit www.eurocontrol.int.
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