The solution is designed to enable air traffic services (ATS) delegation and contingency management among ATS units (ATSUs). It leverages virtual centre cloud technologies based on the “Y” and “D” architectures to provide atm data services. The solution supports en-route and terminal manoeuvring area (TMA) operations in low- to medium-traffic density scenarios and is applicable in night, fixed-time, contingency, and on-demand use cases.

It allows more flexible air traffic control (ATC) operations, ensuring seamless, safe, secure, and cost-effective services for airspace users, while improving overall performance of air traffic service provision. Human performance evaluations by air traffic controllers (ATCOs) during SESAR2020 validation exercises showed that the delegation process did not negatively impact operations in either nominal or non-nominal conditions.

The solution reached V3 during SESAR2020, and DEVICE exercises will use this ATM solution and procedures as a basis for different architecture demonstrators. Its appropriateness and maturity will be assessed across delegation exercises based on the “Y” and “D” architectures.

EU Regulation 2019/317 may require updates to the current ATSU charging methodology to support implementation of the virtual centre architecture. Certification of the air traffic service provider (ADSP) may also be needed to maintain safety levels and ensure interoperability across European countries.

BENEFITS

• Improved cost-efficiency of ATM platforms

• Increased flexibility and operational efficiency

• Greater resilience in ATM service provision