ENAIRE strengthens its role in the next generation of air traffic management

ENAIRE has played an active role in a new phase of the operational validation of iTEC SkyNex, the future air traffic management system being developed under the international iTEC Collaboration. The system will enable more predictable flight paths, making flights safer and more efficient through a more collaborative approach to air traffic control. This further strengthens ENAIRE’s position as one of the strategic partners in the technological transformation of European airspace.

The iTEC Collaboration brings together eight air navigation service providers: Norway (Avinor), Spain (ENAIRE), Germany (DFS), the Netherlands (LVNL), the United Kingdom (NATS), Canada (NAV CANADA), Lithuania (Oro Navigacija) and Poland (PANSA), together with Indra as technology partner.

Held at Indra’s facilities in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), the activity formed part of the third validation of iTEC SkyNex Cycle 1 and brought together representatives of the iTEC Collaboration over several days.

More than 40 experts took part in person and around 50 remotely, including air traffic controllers, engineers and operational specialists, to assess how the future capabilities of iTEC SkyNex will meet the operational needs of the alliance’s members in the years ahead.

A scene from the iTEC SkyNex evaluation in which ENAIRE is taking part

The validation made it possible to analyse advanced operational scenarios and assess the system’s ability to improve air traffic management in an environment marked by continuously growing demand, the need for more efficient operations and the drive for greater sustainability.

iTEC SkyNex will provide the backbone for ENAIRE’s evolution towards SACTA-iTEC 5, the future version of Spain’s integrated air traffic management system. While iTEC SkyNex provides the common product developed by the European iTEC alliance, SACTA-iTEC 5 will combine that capability with ENAIRE’s own systems, services and functions, creating a single, comprehensive platform for all phases of flight—aerodrome, approach and en-route—that will be fully interoperable for the next decade. 

The rollout of SACTA-iTEC 5 will mark a major milestone in the automation and digital transformation of air traffic management at ENAIRE, strengthening its ability to manage traffic growth, increase operational resilience and move forward towards the objectives of the Single European Sky. 
 

Screenshot of the evaluation of the iTEC SkyNex control system, in which ENAIRE is involved