2023_013_AF5

Closing Gaps Towards Operational Use of eFPL for AUs

Timeline

2014
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2023
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2025
Jan. '24OngoingDec. '25

Implementing Partners

CAE
Leader: CAE
ASL Airlines Ireland
Contributor: ASL Airlines Ireland

Description

Objectives:
This Work Package objective is to enable Airspace Users (AUs) to plan and file eFPLs (extended Flight Plan) operationally, by complementing the existing basic eFPL (FIXM) filing capabilities in a manner that they do not require specialized workflows in comparison to operating in non-FIXM airspaces, and that enables all capabilities available on previous FPL formats. Achieving the objectives stated in CP1 AF1 to AF4 ATM Functionalities requires seamless information sharing and collaborative decision-making (CDM). FF-ICE (Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment) provides the necessary framework.

Network Manager (NM) will provide FF-ICE/R1 services such as Filing Service and Trial Service, which are then to be consumed by the Airspace Users. The implementation of these services is carried out in accordance with the EUROCONTROL SWIM specifications.

Filing Service (Provided by NM and consumed by AUs)
This service implements:
- FF-ICE flight plan (eFPL, including updates and cancellations) submission to the Network Manager that includes information such as 4D trajectory information, flight specific performance data and the Global Unique Flight Identifier (GUFI).
- Feedback provision (validation and filing status) to eFPL originators.
- The operational stakeholders shall use NM B2B Services supporting the information Exchange of FF-ICE.

Trial Service (Provided by NM and consumed optional for AUs)
This service allows FF-ICE-enabled AUs (eAUs) to request feedback from the Network Manager on a trial in a “what-if” operational evaluation context. The service enables eAUs to explore the impacts of any intended change to a filed eFPL and determine the feasibility/validity of a flight plan before committing to it. Airspace users are not mandated to implement this but are recommended to upgrade the Airspace Users system to be able to use the NM FF-ICE/R1 Trial Service.

The Specific Objective of this Work Package is to upgrade the software, including the execution of testing and validation activities, which can be used by Airspace Users to achieve the services consumption.

Description:
The implementation of these changes in the CAE system will support the achievement of the functionality gaps essential to allow AUs to file the eFPL (FIXM) formatted flight plans without impact to their daily operations. This will enable the AUs to contribute to the overall goals of FF-ICE/R1 with regard to the sharing of more precise data in reference to the planned flights, enabling CDM.

The following results are expected:

- Capacity - The efficient management of flight plans allows the optimal use of available airspace, minimises the delays on ground and improves the flights predictability.
- CO2, costs efficient - The optimisation of flight routes and climb and descent profiles contributes to reduce unnecessary airborne time and CO2 emissions, which translates in significant cost savings for airlines.
- Digitalisation - the digitalisation and automation of flight planning processes contributes to reduce manual workload and errors while speeding up the overall process.

Countries involved

Additional Information

  • Project Type: Other
  • CEF Call Year: 2023
  • Civil/Military: Civil
  • Multistakeholder: Yes
  • Main AF: AF5 - Initial System Wide Information Management
  • Sub AF: S-AF 5.6 - Flight information exchange
  • Progress Percentage: 30%