Blog | FoxATM

Weekly Review #262 - The very particular needs of each ANSP

Written by Vincent Lambercy | October 2 2024
After close to 25 years in ATM, if I had received one Euro every time I'd heard how complex, specific, different, and special the needs of any ANSPs are, I would not be writing this email but instead chilling out on a sunny beach in Southeast Asia.
 
At least half of the time, these words phrases and arguments are used to explain why some new system or change can't work 'here', wherever 'here' might be. This kind of reaction is as universal as the rules of the air defined by ICAO. Every ANSP, every unit, every control center, and every tower seems to be different enough to make systems and procedures used elsewhere not applicable.
 
This makes engineering and sales hard. But how do we deal with that? The most important thing to keep in mind is that the reality of the feeling has little to do with the reality of its cause. If a potential customer of yours feels that their airspace or operation is the most complex, specific, different or special, there is little sense in arguing against it.
 
Firstly, as a salesperson from outside their organisation, you have very little chance of convincing them. Secondly, even if their problem is only perceived, it does not make their feelings different. Instead of trying to convince them that their issue is not what it seems, put your effort into showing how you can improve the situation and why what you offer can help. 
 
Don't be the salesperson who doesn't understand or neglects the issue at hand. If you are, you won't be the one solving it. Selling is about listening after all, isn't it?

Vincent
ANSP news

Context information

  • IFATCA-IFALPA Joint Press Release on GNSS Interferences- IFATCA and IFALPA release a joint press statement addressing the issue of GNSS interferences. The statement highlights the importance of addressing this issue in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of air navigation systems.
  • SESAR JU Annual Conference 2025- The SESAR JU’s Annual Conference 2025 will take place on 18 February in Brussels (Sheraton Hotel at Brussels airport). The event will present the new European ATM Master Plan including its vision, strategic deployment objectives and development priorities and will highlight the expected benefits and associated investment needs.

Research and innovation

  • How to manage more traffic in less airspace - CANSO- The article offers practical advice and strategies for air traffic controllers to streamline operations and maintain safety standards. By optimizing routing, communication channels, and coordination efforts, professionals can effectively manage a higher volume of aircraft without compromising on safety or efficiency. The content emphasizes the importance of adopting innovative solutions and proactive measures to address the growing demands on airspace capacity.
  • Using Advanced Machine Learning Predictions to Enable Airport Operations- This article discusses the role of advanced machine learning predictions in enhancing airport operations. By leveraging data analytics and predictive modeling, airports can improve efficiency and optimize resources for smoother operations.
  • Funding opportunities for SESAR deployment ATM modernization projects!- The European Commission has launched the 2024 CEF 2 Transport Call for Proposals with a total budget of 2.5 bn euro to support modernization in European transport and open to all modes. One of the core areas covered by the Call is Smart and interoperable mobility with an overall budget of 640 million euro for all modes of transport including aviation and covering also SESAR Common Project One Implementation projects. This is a unique opportunity for SESAR Deployment Air Traffic Management Modernization stakeholders to submit projects and have access to EU co-funding support.
  • The evolution of AI in Aviation: from AI-infrastructure to LMM- In 2020, Eurocontrol and other industry representatives delivered the FlyAI Report. This report aimed to consolidate the sector’s initiatives and progress in adopting AI techniques and technologies, ranging from exploration (primarily SESAR exploratory research projects) to deployment (involving entities like Eurocontrol, Honeywell, and Heathrow).
  • Using ADS-B Data to Detect Turbulence - Aireon- Severe turbulence encounters can force airlines to ground and inspect affected aircraft upon arrival, thereby losing operational capability and decreasing the efficiency of their fleet operations; in the worst cases, severe turbulence can also lead to passenger and crew injuries. And those instances seemingly have been increasing in recent months, with some high-profile incidents garnering worldwide attention. Aireon, with its space-based ADS-B data, has developed a method to detect in near-real-time severe turbulence encounters at a global scale, which can be implemented to provide additional awareness to air traffic stakeholders, allowing for rapid response both in terms of airborne and on-ground operations, as this white paper outlines.

Reports and data

UAV and UTM

  • UK's NATS to roll-out four UTM data services in 2025, for use by independent USSPs - Unmanned airspace- By Philip Butterworth-Hayes - NATS is to roll out four UTM data services as part of its NATS OpenAir platform, according to Andy Sage, Director of Safety Transformation, speaking at the DroneX event in London. Airspace authorisation, traffic information service, geographical awareness services and a flight plan noticeboard will provide foundational data services which UTM service providers will be able to purchase as part of their tactical UTM airspace management offerings to drone operators.