"The general objective of Work Package 2 (WP2) is to increase and sustain datalink performance in Europe, thanks to the contribution of major stakeholders, acting on the following complementary levels:

First level of action is the upgrade of identified poor performing avionic equipment:
- Eurocontrol Datalink Support Group (DSG) identifies a list of avionic upgrades which allow to fix datalink performances issues, and to update NSAP (Network Service Access Point) databases needed to logon to all European FIRs (Flight Information Region). This WP aims at installing these avionic upgrades as identified by DSG.

Second level is to secure VDL2 bandwidth:
- VDL-2 link is used simultaneously by ATC (Air Traffic Control) and AOC (Aeronautical Operational Control) services and applications. AOC constitutes a major part of bandwidth usage whereas ATC applications, such as CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) or ADS-C/EPP which is subject to implementation under CP1, are more sensitive regarding safety and technical performance. The volume of AOC data that is sent over VDL-2 is continuously growing and studies have shown that the network will experience performance degradation locally in response to link saturation before the end of the decade.

The specific objective of WP2 is to deploy solutions to reduce AOC data over VDL-2 link, in accordance with recommendations provided by Eurocontrol DSG “Usage Guidelines Task Force”, in coordination with aircraft and engine manufacturers: in particular AOC optimisation, ACMS (Aircraft Condition Monitoring System) and engine report redesign, offloading AOC traffic from VDL-2 to off-the-shelf technologies.

Air France SA (AIR FRANCE)
AIR FRANCE aims at developing and implementing tasks identified by DSG AOC Usage Guidelines Task Force, in particular:
- optimising ACMS (Aircraft Condition Monitoring System) and Engine reports in coordination with aircraft and engine manufacturers;
- deploying ACARS over IP function and compression of AOC messages;
- offloading AOC to Off-the-shelf communication technologies.

Transavia France SAS (Transavia)
Transavia aims at developing and implementing deployment actions identified by DSG AOC Usage Guidelines Task Force, in particular:
- optimising ACMS (Aircraft Condition Monitoring System) and Engine reports in coordination with aircraft and engine manufacturers;
- deploying ACARS over IP function;
- offloading AOC to Off-the-shelf communication technologies.

Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappijnv (KLM)
KLM aims at upgrading avionics for Datalink avionics to resolve interoperability issues and optimise AOC offload, in particular:
- equipping 42 A320/321 NEO aircraft with ACARS over IP;
- updating the 'KLM Post office' architecture allowing the correct reception and distribution of the aircraft data into the KLM legacy software to accommodate the ACARS over IP data stream;
- training pilots on the ACARS over IP feature installed.

Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft (Lufthansa)
Lufthansa aims at updating the datalink communication system of 19 747-8 Lufthansa German Airlines (DLH) Boeing aircraft to best-in-class software, because the current router software installed is identified as non-performing in the DSG action items.
These aircraft upgrades will:
- solve the ATN Controller Pilot Datalink Communication problems with the current installation (Core Software 998-6063-521) identified in DSG6 Deployment Action 7;
- make the DLH 747-8 fleet ATN CPDLC capable but excluded from the use of CPDLC where the ANSP applies logon lists. The fleet is exempted from CIR 29/2009 replaced by CIR 2023/1770 because it was equipped with FANS 1/A on 01 JAN 2018;
- allow the use of ATN Datalink through entire Europe and by that provide the identified benefits in all ACCs.

RYANAIR Designated Activity Company (RYANAIR)
RYANAIR aims at offloading non-time critical data when the aircraft are on the ground. In this context, Ryanair aims at upgrading 377 Boeing 737-NG aircraft avionics to offload AOC data (ACMS, engine reports, etc) to off-the-shelf communication technology. The testing of the new avionics developed by the supplier is part of the implementation.

Transportes Aereos Portugueses SA (TAP)
TAP aims at developing and implementing the deployment of several actions that are in line with the DSG AOC Usage Guidelines Task Force. These actions aim to introduce several improvements, such as the optimisation of Aircraft Condition Monitoring System (ACMS) and Engine reports with possible input from aircraft and engine manufacturers, and the deployment of the ACARS over IP (AoIP) function allowing the offload to Off-the-shelf communication technologies.
This includes in particular:
- assessing and optimising of AOC messages to allow the reduction of the volume of data to be transferred;
- optimising of the timing of AOC message transfers to allow the use of other communication technologies (e.g., use of 4G on the ground);
- deploying the necessary IT systems on the ground to make use of the AoIP functions on TAP’s fleet;
- deploying AoIP capabilities on 36 TAP’s fleet in-service aircraft, by installing purchased equipment during the aircraft planned immobilisations in the hangar.

All the beneficiaries participating in the implementation of WP2 are committed to carrying out their tasks according to the project plan, providing inputs on technical achievements, timing, financial and administrative requirements. AIR FRANCE, as WP leader, will ensure proper monitoring of WP2 by holding regular meetings with the other participants (KLM, Lufthansa, RYANAIR and TAP). These meetings will focus on coordinating reporting activities, ensuring alignment among participants, identifying issues and jointly applying mitigation actions as well as sharing experiences and best practices. SDM will also provide expertise and support to the beneficiaries on administrative, financial or technical matters, throughout the duration of the project, and coordinate any specific request received from CINEA/EC.

WP2 outcomes will contribute to improved usage of scarce resources and more efficient flight and airspace operations by eliminating known causes of CPDLC Provider aborts in ATN (Aeronautical telecommunication Network) over VDL (VHF Data Link) Mode 2 and, through the application of more modern communication protocols, the project will contribute towards conserving the bandwidth of VDL mode 2 network as is needed for the introduction of Initial airground trajectory information sharing as mandated for implementation by CP1.