SESAR JU HARMONIC concludes with key progress on dynamic airspace configuration

The SESAR JU HARMONIC project , which developed and validated advanced solutions for dynamic airspace configuration and network optimisation in air traffic management, has been successfully concluded. Coordinated by EUROCONTROL and co-funded under the Horizon Europe programme, the project investigated how more flexible and data-driven approaches can enhance capacity management, operational efficiency and network resilience across European airspace. This article takes a closer look at the work and results of the Italian project partners, ENAV and IDS AirNav, which contributed to the development and validation of dynamic airspace configuration (DAC)-related solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Air Traffic Management (ATM).

Within the project, the dynamic airspace configuration (DAC) concept was successfully validated as a key enabler for more flexible and efficient airspace management. DAC is an innovative capability enabling the real-time adaptation of airspace structures based on forecast traffic demand, meteorological conditions, and operational constraints, including the activation of military areas.

Developed by IDS AirNav, in collaboration with the University of Rome "La Sapienza", and integrated into the local traffic load management tool (LTLMT) tool, DAC leverages artificial intelligence-based algorithms to estimate controller workload and dynamically reconfigure airspace through the definition of ad hoc sector configurations. This facilitates traffic flow balancing and provides decision support to flow management positions (FMPs) in selecting optimal sector configurations.

Simulation activities demonstrated DAC's capability to generate effective solutions to mitigate traffic imbalances, delivering improved operational efficiency and more balanced resource utilisation. In particular, the results highlighted significant potential in terms of capacity optimisation and reduction of operational costs.

At the same time, further enhancement opportunities were identified, particularly regarding algorithm performance in complex non-nominal scenarios-such as adverse weather conditions-and the maturity of the human-machine interface. These areas represent natural development paths to strengthen controller trust and further enhance decision-making processes.

ENAV and IDS AirNav also contributed to the development of optimal measures and to integration with the European Network Manager, through joint large-scale validation exercises, reaffirming Italy's active role in the evolution of the European ATM system.

The project achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6), representing a concrete step towards the integration of these solutions into future integrated Network Management (iNM) ecosystem.

HARMONIC leaves a legacy of tools, methodologies, and innovative concepts that lay the foundations for a more intelligent, collaborative, and data-driven ATM system, fully aligned with the objectives of the Digital European Sky.

The activities initiated under HARMONIC will continue within the new SESAR project ATMOSPHER. This initiative aims to develop next-generation air traffic services (ATS) platform solutions to enhance and automate network, en-route, and terminal manoeuvring area (TMA) operations through full air-ground system integration.

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