Currently, individual airports, mainly the ones serving metropolitan areas but also a growing number of regionals, are seamlessly integrated with the European air traffic management network, in terms of operational data exchange between the so-called airport operations plan (AOP) and the network operations plan (NOP), in the tactical phase, on the day of operations, for the purpose of predictable short-term planning for all operational actors airspace users (AUs), air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airport operators (AOs), Network Manager, ground handlers and service entities).

The concept of coordination between airports directly is introduced for the first time, opening up an opportunity for further enhancing the collaborative planning process, towards improving the communication links between airports and the Network. SESAR Researchers are validating the Solution 0346, by including an optimal traffic demand and capacity balancing between airports directly, prior to the coordination with the Network. 

The Solution 346 relies on the development of two different domains for improving the quality and content of data shared today, as follows:• The first domain refers to the collaborative planning process between airports directly, creating a common situational awareness, as per which, local demand and capacity balancing disruptions at airport pairs, are processed in a way that a desired traffic pattern between airports is calculated. This is then shared with the Network, aiming at improving the agility and flexibility in providing capacity, where and when it is needed, on the day of operation, thereby benefitting passengers, airlines, the airports and the network overall.• The second domain refers to the development of ground taxiing time predictions, by making use of Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques in predictive models that take into account the actual real-time conditions at the airport (adverse weather, runway/taxiway traffic, etc.), as well as historical data, resulting in more accurate taxi times and thus more predictable departures and network planning.

Applicable regulations and existing standards have been identified according to the scope of the FASTNet AOP-NOP Tactical planning solution, and include:

- Arrival and departure planning Information Implementation Guides
-European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Community Specification for A-CDM
- Target Time Concept: Network Manager (NM) Strategy for Implementation
- Data elements for full AOP/NOP integration

BENEFITS

• Operational efficiency: More precise prediction of arrivals and departures, resulting in more predictable airport & network operations, thus contributing to improved planning, higher punctuality and reduced delays.
• Passenger experience: More predictable end-to-end operations will result in a better alignment and planning of airport and network operational resources at tactical level, with less bottlenecks and queueing overall, thus contributing to an improved passenger experience.