Next generation ATS platform for airport operations

Proposals shall significantly advance: IR-4-01 Next generation airport platforms fully leveraging aircraft capabilities and interconnected data-sharing ecosystems (airports, ground handlers, ANSPs, NM, CNS/MET, U-space, military); IR-4-02 AI capabilities for next-gen platforms; IR-4-03 Cyber-resilience and cyber-security capabilities; IR-4-04 Airport solutions to reduce environmental impact (sustainable taxi, performance dashboards); IR-4-05 Future human–machine teaming; IR-4-06 Optimisation of runway throughput; and IR-1-01 Integrated air/ground trajectory management based on ATS-B2 extending to lower airspace and airport surface, advancing the core ATS platform for airport operations.

Consortia must include at least three airports and either an established ATS airport system manufacturer or equivalent operational and technical capability to deliver system prototypes. Proposals must align target architectures with the ATM Master Plan’s service delivery model and enable TBO Phase 3. Platforms shall achieve Level 4 automation with trustworthy AI, support crewed/uncrewed missions, maximise aircraft-specific performance to minimise CO₂ and non-CO₂ climate impact, and continuously optimise trajectories from planning to execution under real-time traffic, user preferences and meteorological constraints. Key capabilities include intelligent surface management, scalable dual (civil/military) capacity, high connectivity (air-ground and ground-ground), machine-to-machine communications supplanting voice, strong identification/authentication/integrity and PQC where appropriate, and compliance with ICAO’s International Aviation Trust Framework. Detailed R&I elements (ADS-C SID monitoring, CPDLC D-TAXI, enhanced runway delivery, capacity buffer reduction, engine-off taxiing operations, tug fleet management, sensor fusion, TWR-APP data exchange) are illustrative but additional justified elements aligned with the Master Plan are permitted.