The SESAR concept is based upon the fundamental element of trajectory sharing. The goal is a trajectory-based ATM system where actors optimise their operations based on common trajectory information that takes into account user priorities and ATC constraints. SESAR research is helping to define the reference business trajectory (RBT) and data exchanges between these systems.

Research continues with the top-down approach taken in wave 1 on the definition of trajectory management processes, procedures and system support tools for all air and ground actors that will be necessary to support the trajectory-based operations (TBO) concept. Rather than address the complete range of tools, this candidate solution focuses specifically on the definition and validation of new, higher automation, exchanges. These apply to voice recognition, ground tools using big data analytics and machine learning, machine reasoning and multi-criteria ranking of resolutions, and what-if air-ground trajectories.

Trajectory management improvements enabled by this solution are expected to increase capacity as a result of reducing the need to create a capacity buffer in case of trajectory uncertainty, and a reduction in controller workload due to fewer tactical and monitoring tasks. Thanks to better sharing of more accurate trajectories, extra controller capacity then becomes available to accommodate more traffic.

BENEFITS

Increased capacity

Reduced controller and flight crew workload

Improved trajectory prediction