iSNAP successfully validates new approach for cross-border air traffic service delegation

From 14 to 16 October 2025, the iSNAP consortium, a SESAR research and innovation project, carried out a successful validation exercise demonstrating how digital technologies can enable air traffic control centres in different countries to share and delegate airspace responsibilities more flexibly. This marks an important milestone towards a more connected and resilient European air traffic management (ATM) network.The validation completed work on Solution 0418: "D-Architecture supporting delegation of ATM services provision amongst ATSUs", which aims to create a digital framework allowing air traffic service units (ATSUs) to delegate the control of airspace sectors to one another in real time. This capability is crucial for improving operational flexibility, managing traffic fluctuations, and ensuring business continuity in contingency situations. It also supports the broader Virtual Centre concept, one of SESAR's flagship efforts to digitalise and modernise Europe's ATM infrastructure.

The validation exercise, designated TVAL.06.1 "Delegation of Airspace Using Virtual Centre D-Architecture", was conducted through a real-time simulation, assessing multiple use cases defined in the project's final validation plan such as:

• Night-time delegation between Madrid (LECM) and Barcelona (LECB) centres
• Fixed-time delegation with medium traffic complexity
• On-demand delegation under high traffic conditions
• Contingency delegation, transferring control from Barcelona back to Madrid
• Abort delegation, testing safe handling of incomplete delegation scenarios

All scenarios were successfully executed, validating the feasibility of delegating ATM services provision between adjacent ATSUs using the D-Architecture framework. The results contribute to reach the maturity of the concept at TRL6, paving the way for future operational implementations and for upcoming SESAR projects such as DEVICE.

An open day event followed the validation, welcoming representatives from ENAIRE, ORO NAVIGACIJA, Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, SESAR Joint Undertaking, and other partners from the Virtual Centre flagship. Participants had the opportunity to observe the real-time simulation, interact with ATCOs and ATSEPs, and discuss the technological enablers and services behind this innovative approach.

"The completion of Solution 0418 is a remarkable achievement for iSNAP and a key contribution to building a more flexible and digital European sky," said Mayte Cano, Project Manager of the team. "It demonstrates how interoperability and service-oriented architectures can reshape the future of ATM service provision."

The successful completion of this validation not only confirms the robustness and feasibility of the Virtual Centre D-Architecture but also sets a strong foundation for the future of European air traffic management. With the execution of this activity, iSNAP paves the way for more flexible, resilient, and service-oriented ATM networks.

The iSNAP team extends its gratitude to all contributors and participants for their continued collaboration and commitment. The project is co-funded the SEAR Joint Undertaking within the framework of the Horizon Europe and the Digital European Sky research and innovation programme.

Learn more about iSNAP