Air navigation service providers can improve their operations today by leveraging new technologies, even though modernization of air traffic management initiatives will take some time to implement.
FREMONT, CA: For the millions of people who fly daily, air traffic control and airspace management are typically not a part of their journey; control towers and flight centers often manage aircraft motion on the ground and in the air. However, those who work in air traffic management (ATM) know the complexities and difficulties inherent in ensuring the safe and efficient travel of tens of millions of flights annually.
Today's ATM systems face various threats and vulnerabilities, such as exposure to private and public operators and cybersecurity concerns. As the international airspace becomes more complex, including an increase in the number of global air passengers, advanced network systems and increased cyber security threats have made it imperative to transform ATMs. Effective modernization—driven by technical innovation, public and private partnerships, and shared security priorities—must be implemented. At the same time, the NAS continues to operate without interruption, analogous to replacing an airplane's engine while in flight. Only a balance between innovation and security can safely usher in the next generation of ATM systems that enhance travel security and efficiency.
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Global headlines show that the industry is facing significant congestion challenges as travel quickly recovers to pre-COVID levels. This problem is not limited to airport passengers; air navigation service providers (ANSPs) are also under pressure to ensure aircraft's efficient and safe movement. Congestion of the global airspace and the associated costs of delays and rising emissions is once again a topic of conversation in the realm of air transportation.
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These are significant obstacles for a sector already under pressure to reduce its environmental impacts to zero by 2050 and rebuild more efficiently in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Today's ATM challenges
It is essential first to describe the complexities of ATMs. Air traffic control (ATC) is tasked with tracking and managing thousands of aircraft safely and efficiently daily. Maintaining safety and guiding pilots through the airspace requires effective communication and collaboration. Despite efforts, the information flow between an aircraft and the air traffic control center responsible for the respective airspace is not optimal because air transport operations remain rather compartmentalized.
Current ATM is dependent on ineffective legacy systems, as evidenced by the increasingly congested skies. The time passengers spend circling before landing is a waste of time. Flight delays cost airlines money.
The Modernization Takes Off
Technology advancements are continuously altering how organizations function; aviation is no exception. Safety is at the center of the Federal Aviation Administration's mission. However, the current rate of technological evolution and innovation necessitates an industry-wide commitment to continuous development.
