Thematic Challenges
In July 2023, Engage 2 launched its first thematic challenge, which concluded with resounding success at the end of October. The initiative garnered significant attention, with a total of 21 submissions received from experts and enthusiasts alike.
The Thematic Challenges serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they present an opportunity to delve into areas not fully covered by existing programs, thereby broadening the scope of research within the ATM community. Secondly, they play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of upcoming Engage 2 initiatives, including the highly anticipated calls for PhDs and Catalyst funding Projects.
The challenges, selected by the Engage 2 Awards Board, have been clustered into four main challenges:
Climate impact analysis and mitigation for ATM-related non CO2-emissions
It explores subjects related to environmentally sustainable flight paths and traffic management strategies.
It focuses on:
- Contrails and other non CO2-emissions
- Observation, data collection, modelling
- Metrics and assessment methods harmonization
- Determining uncertainty for aviation non-CO2 impacts
- Incentives to greener ATM and model multimodal solution impacts
- Business Models/Policy/Regulation
Passenger-centric digital airport
The subject revolves around the data-centric airport, analyzing passenger dynamics and movements within airport premises, and the implementation of virtual queuing systems.
It focuses on:
- Multimodality
- Smart DSTs based on data, digitalization and automation (air and landside)
- Virtual queueing to include operational considerations and business constraints
- Integration of strategic and tactical planning (airport but also ATM)
- Human-systems integration in the era of AI
Disruptive ATM system modernization
The theme involves a radical reconsideration of ATM architecture, with a deliberate avoidance of concerns related to evolution, change management, or transition.
It focuses on:
- “As a service” architecture
- Business Models/Policy/Regulation
- Quantum Computing as part of the digital ATM system
- Data sensitivity
- Human-systems integration in the era of AI
- (Cyber-)Security
Integration of new entrants
This subject encompasses airspace categorization, flight strategizing, conflict resolution, and considerations related to business models, incentives, and regulations.
It focuses on:
- UFR mission description
- New aircraft types and propulsion systems
- Intermodal modes of transportation (for passengers as well as for cargo)
- Business Models/Policy/Regulation
- Integration of vertiports or other means of passenger/cargo loading places in the overall traffic system