Traditional airspace classification of certain areas for either ‘civil’ or ‘military’ use has been superseded by the concept of flexible airspace use which allows the airspace to be allocated according to user requirements. The concept is achieved through enhanced civil/military coordination and plays a major role in delivering additional airspace capacity. However, its application is still largely confined to national airspace use rather than cross-border implementation, a situation that SESAR is working hard to change.

This solution offers greater flexibility by allowing dynamic airspace management in all phases of ATM operations, from initial planning through to the execution phase, taking into account local traffic characteristics. The solution includes support tools, operational procedures and processes for real-time airspace status data exchange and for managing variable profile areas (VPA). Planning operations can be enhanced by sharing airspace information in real time and supporting the collaborative decision- making process between the Network Manager, civil and military authorities, and airspace users. The aim is to achieve greater dynamic airspace management, accommodating local and network needs.

Live trials demonstrated the feasibility of automatically updating airspace status into the Network Manager system, and assessing the optimum technology solution that can put into an operational environment.

The activities helped to refine the interoperability requirements so there is better exchange of data between the different parties. A series of shadow-mode trials validated the benefits of sharing and using aeronautical information for mission-planning purposes.

SESAR has validated the advanced flexible use of airspace in terms of connectivity using basic procedures and systems with limited functionality. SESAR’s work is now concentrating on refining those procedures and further developing the functionality of the systems space.

The solution is now available for industrialisation and is being deployed across Europe. The Solution has been implemented in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the UK.

JU references: #31/Release 5

Benefits

• Increased airspace capacity
• Optimised trajectories, thereby reducing track miles
• Improved safety

Datapack

Contextual Note

Regulatory overview

OSED

SPR

TS 1 - 2 - 3

INTEROP

GEN 1 - 2

Service description 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5