INGERA - “Integration of the Next Generation Regional Aircraft into ATM for Zero/Low Emission Aviation” 

Project title: INGERA - “Integration of the Next Generation Regional Aircraft into ATM for Zero/Low Emission Aviation”


Project No. 101290313


Project acronym: INGR


Programme: European Commission – Horizon Europe, SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking Implementation period: 01.09.2026. – 28.02.2029.


Total budget: €1,982,504.09 (VUAS budget: €180,000.00)

 

Project Summary:

As next-generation aircrafts have to enter into service soon, their numbers are expected to increase rapidly. However, the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system will face the challenge of integrating these new aircraft into the overall air traffic environment, without creating a disproportionate impact on existing traffic operations. It is therefore necessary to understand the requirements and performance characteristics of the future fleet composition in order to clearly quantify its impact both on the ATM system and on the environment as a whole.


The project will investigate user demand that could be served by these new aircraft, assess the performance of new aircraft systems on specific routes, including very short-haul and short-haul routes and currently underserved destinations, and explore the integration of relevant energy-flow measurements and information into the ATM system.


INGERA's main ambition is to facilitate the integration into the civil aviation system of future aircraft fleet solutions based on both hybrid-electric and fully electric propulsion systems, covering very short-haul and short-haul operations, while providing an implementation plan in the form of a roadmap with recommendations for the future development of ATM.


The project will:

  1. assess the impact of the proposed fleet composition on flight trajectory prediction;
  2. identify and evaluate new operational procedures;
  3. identify bottlenecks and constraints both in the airspace and on the ground at airports. The project will establish a clear link with ATM Master Plan development priority by integrating the performance characteristics of next-generation aircraft envisaged under the CONOPS and the Clean Aviation JU program into the ATM environment.


Main Objectives:

  • Assess the impact of the future aircraft fleet, including hybrid-electric and fully electric aircraft, on flight trajectory prediction;
  • Identify and evaluate new ATM operational procedures required for the integration of new aircraft types into civil airspace;
  • Identify bottlenecks and constraints both in the airspace and in airport ground infrastructure;
  • Develop a communication and data-management Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for air-ground communications adapted to the requirements of new airspace users;
  • Develop an implementation plan and roadmap with recommendations for the evolution of the ATM system, aligned with ATM Master Plan priority and consistent with the CONOPS and the Clean Aviation JU program.

 

Expected Results:

  • Identification of user requirements and market potential, including an assessment of business models for low- and zero-emission regional air transport operators in Northern and Southern EU regions;
  • A communication Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and roadmap for adapting communications, data management and related services to enable the integration of "green" aircraft;
  • Assessment of the performance and environmental impact of the future regional air mobility fleet, including CO2 emissions, non-CO2 effects and noise, together with an economic assessment;
  • Analysis of Airport Operations Plans (AOPs) and development of a roadmap for future airport operations, including refueling and charging time requirements and adaptations to ground-handling services;
  • Definition of functional requirements and an Operational Services and Environment Description (OSED) for Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) involving mixed aircraft fleets;
  • A roadmap with recommendations for the development of air traffic management solutions, covering regulatory, operational and technical adaptations required to safely and sustainably integrate next-generation regional aircraft into European airspace.

 

Contacts: