Transformation to trajectory-based operations

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance the development of trajectory-based operations within the European air traffic management system. It aims to improve civil-military collaboration by developing new flight planning and mission trajectory management processes, as well as enhancing integration between key aviation systems such as flight operations centers, electronic flight bags, flight management systems, and air traffic control platforms. Focus areas include optimizing flight trajectories, enabling dynamic route availability, creating digital repositories for letters of agreement, and integrating advanced tools to improve flight efficiency and collaboration. The scope is primarily European airspace, with attention to flights arriving into Europe and some interaction with non-European service providers.

• Advance FF‑ICE development (incl. pre-departure enhancements and FF‑ICE/R2) for flight plan data exchange. 

• Improve network trajectory synchronization during flight execution (IR‑1‑03). 

• Integrate airborne and ground systems: connected FMS, EFB, and Flight Operations Centre functions to optimize trajectories (IR‑1‑04). 

• Develop dynamic Route Availability Document (RAD) methods to enable RAD‑by‑exception environments (IR‑1‑05). 

• Enhance both airborne (FMS/EFB) and ground (FOC, ATS, Network Manager) systems to support trajectory-focused operations. 

• Address global and regional TBO integration, including concept of operations at network and ATC levels.

Example projects:

• A consortium develops a new digital platform for dynamic flight route optimization in European airspace.
• A project integrates advanced mission trajectory tools between civil and military air traffic controllers to improve coordination.
• Partners create a digital repository for letters of agreement to streamline communication between different air traffic management actors.

• Personnel costs for research and development
• Costs for prototype development and testing
• Acquisition of equipment and software directly related to the project
• Subcontracting for specialized technical services
• Travel and subsistence for project meetings and fieldwork
• Costs related to the integration of systems (e.g., FMS, FOC, EFB, ATC platforms)
• Dissemination and communication activities
• Project management and coordination expenses
• Costs for compliance with data protection and cybersecurity requirements
• Other direct costs necessary for project implementation

Restrictions: Eligible expenses must fit within the lump sum model and be directly linked to project objectives. Only costs outlined in the approved grant agreement are eligible.

• Co-financing rate: 70% for all beneficiaries
• Budget for this Call: 20.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 10.000.000€
• Minimum value per project: 4.000.000€

• A minimum of three independent legal entities must participate, each from a different EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, with at least one entity based in the EU. Horizon-europe.gouv.frInspiring ERA

• Eligible participants include legal entities such as air navigation service providers, aviation regulators, research organizations, SMEs, industry partners, universities, and public sector bodies registered in eligible countries. horizoneuropeproject.ngHorizon-europe.gouv.fr

• The coordinator must be based in an eligible EU Member State or Associated Country and must demonstrate sufficient operational, technical, and financial capacity. Horizon-europe.gouv.frInspiring ERA

• Third-country or affiliated organisations may participate but do not count toward the minimum consortium requirement and are generally not funded by the EU.

• Participants must have proven operational and financial capacity to deliver their proposed tasks within the project. 

• The proposal must focus on advancing trajectory-based operations—covering areas such as FF-ICE development, network trajectory synchronization, advanced FMS/EFB/FOC systems, and dynamic RAD by exception.