Blog | FoxATM

Weekly Review #276: Agile software and air traffic management (ATM)

Written by Vincent Lambercy | January 22 2025
Two things happened in the world of software development in 2001. The first one had a global impact and unlocked new ways to work in software development: the publication of the Agile Manifesto for software development. In a nutshell, it contains four principles.
  • Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
  • Working software over comprehensive documentation
  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
  • Responding to change over following a plan
This changed how software was created and profoundly impacted the software engineering world.
 
The second thing was much more personal. I joined the Swiss ANSP Skyguide (previously Swisscontrol) as a software developer. As a reminder, in 2001, the European Safety Regulatory Requirements (ESARR) framework was not around yet and waterfall models were standard in software development.
 
At Skyguide, the first attempts at agility began in 2017, as we discussed in this FoxATM article. Why so late? Well, ANSPs and ATM system providers alike operate in a highly regulated environment and certification relies on documentation. The Agile Manifesto's 'working software over comprehensive documentation' principle is not an easy one to integrate with stringent certification processes. Cultural aspects also play a role, with people working on mission-critical software understandably not being keen on changing the way of working.
 
Is the ATM ecosystem slower than others when it comes to adopting new working methods? Certainly. But it's not without reason. This lesson is important to understanding the industry's history, life cycle, and ways of thinking. And, it is something to keep in mind when speaking industry partners. No, ATM does not always have the latest, shiny technologies. 'Cloud' is still a new concept. Change is slow. But this is for a good reason: human lives depend on it.
 
Vincent

ANSP news

  • Inside APOC: The Super Brain Behind Heathrow’s Seamless Operation - NATS Blog- For over a decade, Heathrow’s Airport Operations Centre (APOC) has been the nerve centre that ensures smooth day-to-day operations at one of the world’s busiest airports. With up to fifty specialists from across the airport community in the APOC, the team manages a vast array of operational responsibilities, combining advanced technology, expert coordination, and real-time collaboration to address challenges and deliver exceptional service to millions of passengers, ensuring Heathrow functions efficiently and securely 24/7.
  • Help us shape NATS OpenAir – a foundation for integrated airspace- With just two weeks to go until the close of our OpenAir consultation, here we answer a few of your most frequently asked questions about the proposals we believe could pave the way to an integrated UK airspace of the future. The NATS OpenAir proposition is our response to the challenge of meeting future demand for access to our skies from a variety of users by creating a safe and efficient integrated airspace that is open to all crewed and uncrewed aircraft on a fair and equitable basis.
  • NAV CANADA reports December 2024 traffic figure- NAV CANADA announced today its traffic figure for the month of December 2024 as measured in weighted charging units for enroute, terminal and oceanic air navigation services, in comparison to the prior year.
  • The Government authorises the creation of Enaire Global Services to promote the internationalisation of the operator- The creation of this subsidiary aims to address the profound transformation currently underway in the air navigation sector, driven by the construction of the Single European Sky, the growing demand for global services and solutions, the emergence of new players (drones), and the challenges posed by Urban Air Mobility and space operations.
  • Air traffic control for northern German airspace under new leadership - DFS- Steffen Liebig is replacing Andre Biestmann at the helm of the Bremen branch of DFS, the German air navigation service provider. The former head of the Karlsruhe branch of DFS has made it his mission to support the Bremen Control Centre in the transition to a new era of air traffic management. As one of four control centres in Germany, the Bremen-based air traffic controllers coordinate up to 1,700 flight movements in northern German airspace every day.
  • DFS looks back positively on 2024: punctuality improves - For DFS, 2024 was a successful year. Despite difficult external conditions, key objectives were achieved and landmark projects launched. Punctuality in air traffic improved once again, while delay was reduced by 30 percent compared to 2023, amounting to just under 50 seconds per flight. With just under three million flights in German airspace, traffic volumes are around 4% higher than the previous year (2023: 2.838 million), but still below the peak of the pre-COVID-19 period (2019: 3.334 million).

Airport news

  • Fully utilising North Runway will help Gatwick meet growing demand – Airport World- London Gatwick today repeated its call for its North Runway to lose it back-up status and be used on a regular basis, claiming the move would allow it to accommodate more flights and generate an extra £1 billion a year for the UK economy. Citing China as a potential area of growth, the airport notes that it reported a 265% rise in passenger volumes to and from China in 2024, but believes that it could do even better with the extra capacity provided by a fully utilised North Runway.
  • Inside Heathrow's Airport Operations Centre- Take a peek inside the Airport Operations Centre at Heathrow and discover the intricate operations behind one of the world's busiest airports. Explore the technologies and systems that keep the airport running smoothly and ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. Learn about the dedicated team that manages everything from air traffic control to emergency response, and how they collaborate to handle unforeseen challenges effectively.

Market news

  • FAA Trial Shows L3Harris' SafeRoute+ Boosting Airspace Capacity- L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions today announced the promising results of its first-year participation in a landmark FAA trial that demonstrates the effectiveness of its SafeRoute+ ADS-B In technology in enhancing runway safety and increasing airspace capacity by up to 25%.

Context information

  • Disruption of GNSS Signals – IFATCA- This article discusses the disruption of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals and the impact it can have on Satellite-based Communication and Navigation and Surveillance (CNS). It explores the causes of these disruptions and the challenges faced by users who rely on GNSS technology for positioning and timing information.
  • Strengthening strategic collaboration to enhance aviation training - EUROCONTROL- EUROCONTROL’s Aviation Learning Centre (ALC) and the JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO) have teamed up to formalise a strategic collaboration to enhance aviation learning and better address industry needs by developing joint aviation training programmes.

Research and innovation

  • SESAR opens call for advanced air mobility airspace integration research projects - Unmanned airspace- The European Union’s SESAR Joint Undertaking has announced two open calls under its Digital European Sky research and innovation programme, within the framework of Horizon Europe, with the applied research work area, worth EUR 14 million, aimed at projects which will integrate next-generation aircraft for zero/low emission aviation.
  • SESAR JU launches EUR 254 million in research calls to shape the future of European air traffic management- SESAR JU has announced two open calls under its Digital European Sky (DES) research and innovation programme, within the framework of Horizon Europe. With a combined budget of EUR 254 million, these calls mark the first steps in executing the new European ATM Master Plan, the comprehensive roadmap for transforming air traffic management in Europe, published in December 2024. This effort reflects Europe’s vision of becoming the most efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in the world.
  • SESAR ‘pairwise’ separation solution goes into operation at Heathrow cutting delays and emissions- Pairwise separation, a solution developed within the framework of the SESAR Joint Undertaking by SESAR JU member NATS and other partners, has been deployed at Heathrow Airport, marking a world first in air traffic control. This innovation is designed to boost on-time performance and reduce carbon emissions. The new system was implemented in December 2024 at NATS' Swanwick air traffic control centre. Early results suggest that pairwise separation will increase landing rates, reducing airborne holding and contributing to significant carbon savings over time.
  • Building tomorrow’s aviation solutions: Engage 2 announces its first Hackathon - CANSO- The SESAR-funded Engage 2 project invites students, young professionals and early-career researchers to participate in its Hackathon, taking place in Madrid on 24-25 March 2025. Held over two days in Madrid, the Hackathon will challenge participants to work in teams to design innovative solutions for pressing issues in ATM. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, attendees will have the opportunity to develop ideas that address industry needs while building connections with professionals and peers.

Reports and data
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