Boeing is to unveil proposals for a "fundamentally new architecture" for US air traffic management (ATM) this month. The proposal will be focused on increasing capacity, reducing delays and enhancing safety, says John Hayhurst, vice-president, ATM.
The company declines to give details of the architecture, which will be satellite-based, but says it will increase capacity "by a substantial margin". Boeing's view is that US Federal Aviation Administration-led efforts to increase capacity are not sufficient, Hayhurst says.
The FAA-led Operational Evolution Plan "is not focusing on the capacity enhancement requirement. It is not sufficient to meet demand," Hayhurst says. "A fundamentally revolutionary approach is required." Although Boeing has set up an ATM business unit, it does not plan to become involved in the operation of ATM systems. Hayhurst says: "Our first priority is to ensure that air traffic can grow so that there is a market for our commercial aircraft."
The initial goal is to spur movement on increasing capacity by bringing together the large group of stakeholders with vested interests. "We are focused on getting movement. It is time to stop talking," Hayhurst says.
Source: Flight International
