Air-to-ground communication technology is at the heart of the end-to-end air traffic management concept, which requires the global integration of current, future, and emerging communication networks. The present ATMACA (Air Traffic Management and Communication over ATN/IPS) project addresses an innovative solution enabling effective, seamless, interoperable air-to-ground datalink communication technologies and digital flight monitoring and management environment through aeronautical telecommunication (ATN) based on internet protocol suite (IPS) within all domains of flight.

In this frame, ATMACA project aims at supporting “air-ground integration and autonomy” innovation flagship in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) presenting the strategic roadmaps to achieve SESAR phase D “Digital European Sky” in European ATM Master Plan 2020 edition. ATMACA proposes a beyond the state-of-the-art IP-based datalink communication solution by introducing an application-layer mobility management for ATN and enabling commercial off-the-shelf equipment. It will also provide a next-generation human-machine interface (HMI) which will process higher quality data, enable interactions with the existing and future aeronautical applications and services, and meet the needs of end-users.

ATMACA solution will be validated based on real-time simulations and real-time monitoring tests by considering relevant applicable SESAR key performance areas and indicators as well as industry standards. The consortium consists of a balanced mix of universities and industrial partners (an air navigation service provider, an airline and a research and consultancy firm specialized in HMI design) to ensure the achievement of the project objectives. ATMACA project’s outcomes will deliver a robust and reliable communication and ATM solution serving as a baseline for the future ATN and next SESAR ATM solutions.