Saerco and DataBeacon launch an initiative targeting the modernization and digitization for Air Traffic Management
David Perez
The initiative has been awarded within the framework of the Spanish Aeronautical Technological Program 2023 (PTA 2023), co-financed by CDTI with Next Generation EU Funds from the European Union.
The Project represents a significant advancement in the application of digital technologies and AI to improve air traffic management, thus contributing to the EU’s environmental and digitization objectives.
Madrid, March 2024 – Saerco and DataBeacon announce the award of the project “AI and Digitization for sustainable and efficient air traffic”; an innovative initiative aimed at revolutionizing Air Traffic Management (ATM) at airports. This project is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Spanish CDTI within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. Led by Saerco as coordinator and in collaboration with DataBeacon, the project aims to transform the ATM service infrastructures in airport airspace. The goal is to make air transportation more efficient, sustainable, and safe, in line with the EU’s environmental and digitization objectives. This project is based on two highly innovative main components:
- Romeo5 Digital Twin (GDR5): A virtual and dynamic representation of the aerodrome and its operations. The Digital Twin will further enhance the safety and efficiency levels of ATM at the airport, providing the control and information service with new capabilities that were previously nonexistent. This digital model will allow simulation and real-time analysis of various situations and operational scenarios, facilitating informed decision-making and anticipating potential conflicts.
- Intelligent Assistant (GTA 5.0): A system based on advanced AI technologies, designed to support air traffic controllers and other professionals in decision-making and the execution of complex tasks. The Intelligent Assistant will provide Augmented Situational Awareness, enabling controllers to have relevant information to ensure operational efficiency and environmental sustainability at the airport.
The Project will initially focus on developing innovative use cases in the airport environment by providing a cloud-based data analytics solution, designed to be used by airports of all sizes, aiming to offer state-of-the-art data analysis systems that will enhance the safety and operational efficiency of air traffic management at the airport level. The project will be developed following relevant EU regulations on air traffic management, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and requirements. Furthermore, it benefits from the expertise of Saerco and DataBeacon, leaders in their respective fields, ensuring the success and quality of the results.
Jorge Ávila, CEO of Saerco, stated, “The application of AI to Air Traffic Management is the logical step towards improving safety and efficiency in the provision of our services, raising the bar beyond the current conventional service by integrating technologies into real-time decision- making that improve operational situational awareness and service quality, reduce personnel workload, and minimize environmental impact. This development is not only a product for air traffic service providers but also for airport managers and other providers involved in the day-to- day operations of airports.”
David Pérez, CEO of DataBeacon, said, “Thanks to the Spanish Aeronautical Technological Program, the platform developed from the Digital Twin and the Intelligent Assistant will evolve to address safety concerns and situations at airports. These developments will enable constant monitoring of airspace around the airport and the airport platform, providing real-time information to various agents operating at the airport and allowing the use of historical data to train models that maximize infrastructure usage with minimal environmental impact.”
The Project represents a significant advancement in the application of digital technologies and AI to improve air traffic management, thus contributing to the EU’s environmental and digitization objectives. This project is a significant step towards a future of more efficient, sustainable, and safe air transportation in Europe.
Funded by CDTI
