What?

The ‘Flight Object’ (FO) is a concept to support the sharing of consistent flight data between organisations. Implementation will ensure the next generation of Flight Data Processor systems share common, more accurate and more up-to-date information with each other, as well as with airports, aircraft operators and Europe’s Network Manager.

Why?

The Flight Object will allow the exchange of aircraft derived data between a number of different organisations, which will help improve operations. Implementation will enable a number of future concepts, including Extended Arrival Management (E-AMAN), which reduces the time aircraft spend in holding stacks – saving fuel and reducing noise; cross-border free routing – which enables airspace users to choose their preferred routes across a number of countries saving time, fuel and money; and coordination-free transfer of air traffic control, reducing complexity and increasing controller capacity.

When?

Pan-European real-time simulation, a SESAR validation exercise, planned for 2016. Full implementation expected circa 2020.

With?

DFS, ENAV, Eurocontrol Maastricht, Indra, Thales, SELEX.