Today’s I-4D flight test on an Airbus A320 test aircraft, successfully verified the automated 4D data exchange between aircraft Flight Management System (FMS) and ground automation systems through data link. On a flight from Toulouse to Copenhagen and Stockholm, it also aimed to validate how information is displayed to the controller and the pilot as well as the impact on their operations. I-4D is a cornerstone of the SESAR programme as it is the first step towards more predictable flights.

“With this first I-4D trial flight under operational conditions, the SESAR members have proven that by working together in the framework of the SESAR programme real changes in the ATM domain are being brought about. Not only the aviation industry will benefit from optimised flights, but society as a whole”, says Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking.

The first I-4D flight was realised in the framework of the SESAR Release programme thanks to the complementary expertise of the involved SESAR members Airbus, Eurocontrol, Honeywell, Indra, NORACON, and Thales.