HUCAN proposes new approach to certifying AI in air traffic management

The HUCAN project, funded within the framework of the European Union’s Horizon Europe and the SESAR Joint Undertaking’s Digital European Sky research and innovation programme, has proposed a novel and holistic approach to the certification and approval of AI-enabled advanced automation air traffic management (ATM) systems, both in the air and on the ground.

At its final event on 3 November, held at the European University Institute in Florence, HUCAN brought together experts from research, industry and regulation to discuss how Europe can ensure that new AI-driven aviation technologies meet the highest safety standards.

Today, automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly used to support pilots, manage traffic and optimise flight operations. Yet before these systems can be deployed, they must be certified as safe and reliable — a complex challenge given their learning and adaptive nature.

To address this, HUCAN has developed certification-aware design principles and preliminary guidelines to help developers integrate certification considerations from the earliest stages of innovation. This proactive approach, aligned with the European ATM Master Plan, supports the safe and timely uptake of future SESAR Solutions.

Project coordinator Paola Lanzi, Deep Blue,said:

“Effective certification requires a systemic approach covering every stage of a system’s design and development. Only by anticipating certification from the start can we accelerate the uptake of new SESAR Solutions.”

Speakers from EASA, EUROCAE, Thales, Airbus Protect, Collins Aerospace, and other European projects contributed to the discussions, highlighting the importance of collaboration between regulators, researchers and industry in shaping the future of AI in aviation.