From AI-powered digital assistants to concepts enabling single-pilot operations, the next generation of on-board automation is transforming how pilots and controllers interact with intelligent systems. These developments were explored during the SESAR Walking Tour on On-board automation – towards the intelligent cockpit at Airspace World 2026, guided by Oznur Uygur, SESAR Joint Undertaking. Through a series of demonstrations and validation results, the tour showcased how SESAR research is shaping future human–machine collaboration both in the cockpit and in air traffic control.

Building trust in AI-powered aviation systems

One of the key challenges for future automation is ensuring that AI-based systems can be safely certified and integrated into operations. At the AT-One/DLR stand, Sebastian Schier-Morgenthal, DLR, presented the HUCAN project, which is developing a holistic framework for certification-aware design of highly automated aviation systems.

The project demonstrated how certification and liability considerations can be integrated from the earliest design stages through performance-based requirements and holistic validation methodologies. Participants were also introduced to a highly automated controller working position, where a digital air traffic controller collaborates with a human controller on operational tasks. The demonstration highlighted how human–machine collaboration concepts can support advanced automation while maintaining transparency, oversight and trustworthiness.

Building on this challenge of trusted AI integration, at the same stand Rolf Zon, NLR, presented the JARVIS project, exploring the foundations of human–AI teaming for future digital assistants in aviation. Visitors experienced innovative research methods developed within the project, including a computer simulation analysing controller responses to AI assistants and an interactive human–AI collaboration exercise using LEGO construction tasks. These experiments were designed to better understand how humans and AI systems cooperate, communicate and build trust in operational environments.

AI digital assistants supporting controllers

As AI assistants become more capable, another challenge is how to integrate them effectively into real-time ATM operations. At the ENAV stand, Gabriella Gigante and Roberto Palumbo, CIRA and Guido Solitro, Leonardo, presented another component of the JARVIS project, focusing on an AI-based conflict resolution advisor for controllers. 

Using curated recordings from real-time simulation exercises, the demonstration showcased how AI-generated conflict resolution advisories can be integrated into the controller working position alongside tactical conflict detection tools. The system generated conflict-free resolution proposals aligned with operational controller preferences, while supporting human decision-making in high-traffic tactical environments. 

The simulations highlighted the potential of AI assistants to reduce controller cognitive workload and support capacity improvements, while also illustrating different levels of automation and human–AI teaming concepts in operational settings.

The digital co-pilot and the future cockpit

While digital assistants are increasingly supporting controllers on the ground, similar concepts are also being explored in the cockpit. At the Europe for Aviation stand, Jolana Dvorska, Honeywell Aerospace, presented the DARWIN project, which focuses on the development of digital assistants for complex flight operations.

The project showcased preliminary results from flight validation activities, including recorded material from both airborne and ground-based validation exercises. The demonstrations illustrated how AI-based assistants are being designed and matured using trustworthy machine reasoning platforms, supporting pilots during demanding operational scenarios while maintaining human authority and situational awareness.

The presentation also highlighted the extensive preparation required for these validation campaigns, including assistant selection, scenario development and test procedure design, reflecting the growing maturity of AI-enabled cockpit support systems.

Supporting safe single-pilot operations

One of the most transformative concepts explored during the tour was single-pilot operations and the role automation could play in maintaining safety during abnormal situations. At the Indra stand, Mayte Cano, Indra and Mario Pavon, Airbus presented the SOLO project, which addresses the challenge of safely returning an aircraft to land following pilot incapacitation.

Using recordings from real-time simulation exercises, the demonstration showed the complete operational sequence from pilot incapacitation to autonomous landing. Participants were shown how onboard systems, ATM procedures and a new operational role — the operations ground assistant — interact to support safe return-to-land operations.

The simulations also identified required upgrades to ATM tools and coordination procedures, illustrating how highly automated aircraft operations would need to be integrated into future ATM environments.

Bringing the tour to a close, at the Collins Aerospace stand Carmen Bejarano Espada, Collins Aerospace,  presented the RESPONSE project, which explores connected air–ground intelligence to support future single-pilot operations. The project focuses on pilot cognitive state monitoring and digital assistants capable of detecting early signs of incapacitation. Demonstrations included validation exercises using integrated aircraft and ATC simulators, showing how machine-to-machine assistance and connected digital assistants could enhance safety, increase automation and support future single-pilot operational concepts.

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Read about capacity and demand planning in the European ATM Master Plan

More about the 2026 SESAR Walking Tours