iTEC: Development of the air traffic system for NATS

The project is based on the design and implementation of functional tests at the level of air traffic control systems and subsystems developed for the UK navigation service provider (NATS). Entity that together with AVINOR (Norway), DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (Germany), ENAIRE (Spain), LVNL (Netherlands), ORO NAVIGACIJA (Lithuania) and PANSA (Poland), form iTEC (Interoperability Through European Collaboration), a system of European New Generation Air Traffic Management. iTEC aims to strengthen safety, increase efficiency and improve the environmental impact of flights, interoperability between control centers in Europe and optimization of aircraft routes. This system is required by air traffic controllers as communication and information support for all flights that are carried out within its control zone. In this sense, the controllers have an interface that allows them to access and obtain data on flights (access to flight plans, radar information, aircraft trajectories, automatic conflict analysis, meteorological information, interactions, among others), in addition to maintaining communication with the pilots and other nearby air control centers. It will help reduce fuel consumption and emissions by allowing a future introduction of Free Route Airspace above 28,000 feet, giving pilots more flexibility to fly on optimal and direct routes, instead of to follow the existing network based on fixed points and air routes. In addition, it will provide security in times of risk and emergency situations (breakdowns, collapses, kidnappings, among other contingencies). It offers improved operational performance through the introduction of a common European air control operations concept based on SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research), driven by the European Commission and Eurocontrol; a common airspace aligned with FABs (Functional Airspace Block), a cross-border operational airspace that is one of the most important parts of the Single European Air Sky); a common system featuring enhanced interoperability through flight objects and NADAR; and a common ATS (Air Traffic Service) system with ATS components interchangeable by open standards.