Weekly Review #270: How the EU changes ATM technology development

Picture of Vincent Lambercy
Posted November 27 2024 by Vincent Lambercy
As the Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, "There is nothing permanent except change." The European Union demonstrated this when it published the regulation EU 2023/1768 on 14 July 2023. This innocent-looking regulation could have massive impacts on the ATM equipment market as we know it.
If you missed it, here is a very brief overview:

  • Organisations that implement and/or operate ATM equipment are designated as Design and Production Organisation (DPO) and must register with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
  • All changes to such equipment must be declared to EASA and may require  certification by the agency too.
  • EASA will levy fees on registration of DPOs and of each changed that is declared or certified.

The regulation will be in force for five years after its publication and it could change a lot of things. First of all, it will be one extra layer of bureaucracy. Secondly, the costs and complexity associated with becoming a DPO will create a barrier of entry to the market, possibly preventing new companies from joining. And finally, it could be that some of the smaller industry providers don't make the cut and simply have to stop their activity.
 
Many questions are still unanswered. This includes the use of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) software and products, the applicability to operating systems and hardware, how to address cloud-based architecture and more. So whether you are a large or small systems provider or an ANSP, you can't avoid it and the time to act is now. You can read the full text here. And, you can get more information directly from EASA.
 
Vincent

ANSP news

  • QCAA Organizes Training Program for Egyptian Air Traffic Controller- The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority conducted a specialized training program for Egyptian air traffic controllers to enhance their skills and knowledge. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve air traffic management and safety in the region. The training program included practical exercises and theoretical workshops to ensure the controllers are well-equipped for their responsibilities.
  • Austro Control with COOPANS upgrades its air traffic control system- Austro Control has announced upgrades to its air traffic control system in collaboration with COOPANS. These improvements aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic management in the region. The partnership between Austro Control and COOPANS signifies a commitment to modernizing air traffic control technologies and procedures for better performance and reliability.
  • UK Civil Aviation Authority approves Manchester Low-Level Route airspace change - The UK Civil Aviation Authority has approved a low-level route airspace change in Manchester. This decision will impact air traffic in the area and improve efficiency and safety for flights operating in the region.
  • FAA launches aerospace rulemaking committee for space flight safety - Unmanned airspace- FAA ended Fiscal Year 2024 with a record 148 licensed commercial space operations, up more than 30 percent over the prior year. The FAA forecasts that number may more than double by FY 2028 and is launching an Aerospace Rulemaking Committee to update the FAA’s Part 450 launch and reentry licensing rule.
  • Isavia ANS implements Performance Based Navigation (PBN)- Isavia ANS has published a Transition Plan for Performance Based Navigation for Iceland, in the document PBN Transition plan for ICELAND. The document is published in accordance with the Icelandic regulation 444/2020 that implement EU Regulation 2018/1048. Design of standard enroute-, approach- and departure routes will be based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instead of Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs). The Transition Plan was prepared in coordination with airspace users and airports and is updated every year in the fall.
  • NATS announces Clarity, a new way for airports to balance sustainability and operational demands- Currently in development, Clarity will allow airports to analyse and compare the carbon impact of different aspects of their operation and to understand the relative effectiveness of any future sustainability initiatives or investments. NATS believes the tool will help airports to best plan their route to net zero by providing detailed evidence of the value of a whole range of environmental initiatives.
  • AirNav Ireland Launches Sustainability Management Plan And Commits To Measures To Reduce Aviation Ca- Recent environmental initiative yielded an estimated 66,000 kilos of carbon savings following 30-day trial carried out by AirNav Ireland, Cork Airport, Aer Lingus and Ryanair.
  • Airservices Australia seeks community feedback on Hobart Airport flightpath changes- Airservices Australia is inviting the community to have their say on proposed flightpath changes at Hobart Airport. This follows Airservices’ assessment of two community suggested recommendations from the Hobart Airspace Review Post Implementation Review.
  • Morten Fruensgaard becomes new COO of Naviair- Naviair, the Danish air navigation service provider, announces the appointment of Morten Fruensgaard as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Fruensgaard brings a wealth of experience in the aviation industry and is set to lead Naviair's operational functions. His strategic vision and leadership skills will contribute to the company's continued success in ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management in Denmark.
  • 21st DANUBE FAB Social Consultation Forum- The 21st DANUBE FAB Social Consultation Forum took place online on 31 October 2024, bringing together representatives from BULATSA, ROMATSA, and their social partners. In light of the recent changes to the SES2+ legislation, DANUBE FAB and its social partners reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and resilience. Participants discussed current challenges, reviewed strategic initiatives, and emphasized their shared social priorities. This highlighted DANUBE FAB's dedication to an adaptive and collaborative approach in managing airspace in Eastern Europe.
  • Oro Navigacija Presents Lithuanian UTM System Ahead of Implementation- Oro Navigacija has showcased the Lithuanian UTM system in preparation for its upcoming implementation. The unveiling of this advanced technology marks a significant milestone in the field of unmanned traffic management. The Lithuanian UTM system promises to revolutionize the way drones navigate airspace, ensuring safety and efficiency in operations. With this groundbreaking development, Oro Navigacija is at the forefront of UTM innovation.

Airport news

Market news

Context information

  • Auckland Airport remains key economic generator for New Zealand – Airport World- Touch downs at Auckland Airport are driving up New Zealand’s economic fortunes with new aviation infrastructure set to bring tens of billions of dollars more benefit, according to an economic analysis by consultants EY. The airport’s chief customer officer, Scott Tasker, said the investment underway at Auckland Airport will be a key enabler of future growth right across New Zealand.
  • Advanced digital solutions sought for drone operations - Airservices- Airservices Australia is calling on innovative drone technology companies to help shape the future of aviation by delivering advanced digital solutions to drone operators to enhance safety, make it easier to access airspace, and foster industry growth. Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Service Suppliers are invited to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to collaborate with Airservices Australia in advancing digital platforms for the next generation of drone operations.
  • Papua New Guinea Renews Contract with Aireon for Space-Based ADS-B- Papua New Guinea has decided to renew its contract with Aireon for their space-based ADS-B technology, enhancing air traffic surveillance capabilities. This partnership is expected to improve air traffic management and safety in the region.
  • EASA Annual Safety Conference 2024: how technological innovation can help humans enhance aviation safety - This year’s EASA Annual Safety Conference took as its theme “Safety – technology – and the human dimension”, focusing on the critical importance of the well-trained human in keeping aviation operations safe, and on the parallel need to apply technology prudently to enhance aviation safety even further.
  • Understanding Resilience and Human Differences in Aviation Safety- This article discusses the importance of evaluating resilience and human variability in the context of aviation safety. It explores how understanding these factors can lead to improved safety measures and more effective risk management strategies within the aviation industry.

Research and innovation

  • Transforming altimetry for a safer, more efficient aviation future - SESAR JU- Accurate altitude measurement is a critical challenge in Air Traffic Management, where even small errors can affect safety and efficiency. John Godsell, NATS, is leading work in the Green-GEAR that is exploring the transition from barometric to geometric altimetry. In this interview he explains how the project is addressing the transition to improve airspace management for a safer, more sustainable aviation future.
  • Eyes in the sky: enhancing air traffic safety with eye tracking technology- This article discusses the use of eye tracking technology to enhance air traffic safety. By monitoring air traffic controllers' eye movements, potential risks can be identified and addressed more effectively, ultimately leading to a safer airspace. Blog by NATS.
  • SESAR Innovation Days 2024: A catalyst for ATM transformation- From 11-15 November, more than 600 leading European researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers gathered in Rome for the 14th SESAR Innovation Days (SIDs), the flagship event for air traffic management research and innovation in Europe. Hosted by Aeroporti di Roma, ENAV, and Leonardo and organised by the SESAR JU, the conference featured more than 37 posters, 54 technical papers, and a diverse range of sessions on topics including climate-optimised trajectories, innovative air mobility, digital flight rules and quantum computing.
  • ‘CLEAN ATM 2’ & ‘GREEN CNS’ awarded €141 million to accelerate modernisation of European sky - SESAR DM- Paloma Aba Garrote, Director of CINEA (the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency), Mariagrazia La Piscopia, Executive Director of the SDM and Raúl Medina, Director General of EUROCONTROL and representing the Organisation in its role as SDM Consortium Coordinator, today celebrated the signature of two Grant Agreements awarding €141 million in total to the CLEAN ATM 2 and GREEN CNS projects.
  • SESAR partners advance dynamic airspace reconfiguration for safer, more efficient air mobility- SESAR JU partners recently conducted a series of technology validations focused on advancing dynamic airspace reconfiguration within the framework the ENSURE project. From November 6 to November 8, 2024, these tests took place at the CRIDA premises in Madrid, concentrating on developing DAR processes that will improve airspace management, particularly in complex airport environments.
  • Blockchain in Aviation- Aviation is a critical industry that forms the backbone of the global economy and transports millions of people safely every day. The industry’s top priority is to maintain the highest standards of flight safety and security at all times. However, with increasing digitalization and data flows, ensuring security poses a major challenge, especially in terms of information sharing and ensuring the accuracy of data. This is where blockchain technology stands out as an innovative solution that could revolutionize aviation safety.
  • White Paper: Enhancing E-AMAN with Space-Based ADS-B - Aireon - The aviation community is facing complex challenges: surging air traffic, the imperative for efficiency, sustainability, and safety. ICAO, SESAR, and other initiatives drive modernization, having yielded many practical solutions ready for deployment. At major airports, tools like the Arrival Manager are enhancing operations, yet traditional AMAN systems encounter limitations for example, if input data is insufficiently available to enable extended planning. Enter the Frequentis Extended Arrival Manager leveraging AireonFLOW — a global, high-fidelity, low-latency position data source.
  • EASA grants STC to Aerodata for anti-jamming anti-spoofing system - Unmanned airspace- Aerodata AG has been granted a Supplemental Type Certificate by EASA for its GPS anti-jamming and anti-spoofing system. This certification applies to installations integrated with Garmin 5000 avionics in a Cessna Citation Latitude jet.

Reports and data

UAV and UTM