Solutions developed within SESAR must be not only compatible with one another, but when applied together can benefit ATM performance. This is what SESAR members aimed to show in a recent set of validation exercises on integrating initial four dimension (i4D) operations and Airborne Spacing (ASPA) Sequencing & Merging (S&M) within an Extended Arrival Management (E-AMAN) horizon in Rome.

Conducted by ENAV, Selex ES and Airbus (with Thales and Honeywell support), a real-time simulation took place over a three-week period within the extended airspace close to Rome airport (Terminal Manoeuvring Area), as well as the en-route sectors for Rome, Milan and Padua. In this medium density environment, the exercises combined E-AMAN, initial 4D operations (including Controlled Time of Arrival - CTA) and ASPA S&M operations. In other words, on-board 4D trajectory data was shared to provide a single time constraint at a specific point during the descent and approach phases. Controller–pilot data link communications (CPDLC) was the preferred choice for exchange between pilot and controllers, simplifying the controller’s instructions loop. On basis of this pre-sequenced traffic, ASPA S&M provided the means to merge traffic flows and maintain time separation between aircraft until landing.

The exercises looked at the impact of these operations on predictability, safety, human performance, environmental sustainability and fuel efficiency. With more than 70 people among controllers, pilots and technicians, taking part, the validation exercise showed how different players can work collaboratively in an environment with optimised traffic flow synchronisation to the runway using the CTA and ASPA S&M. Further exercises as well as live trials are now planned to assess the combination of solutions in a high complexity environment, in order to bring the concept to a level of maturity and readiness for implementation.

The exercise was conducted on industry-based verification & validation platforms (IBP) located in ENAV’s new Rome ACC prototype systems facilities, using Selex ES prototypes and integrating the Airbus cockpit simulator located in Toulouse. A Shared Virtual Sky (SVS) platform was used in order to allow interoperability between systems.