NOMAD (Next-Gen Service Oriented Modular ATM Development for En-route & TMA) is a €21 million SESAR Joint Undertaking project, funded under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, that aims to replace fragmented, tightly coupled air traffic management systems with a modular, service-oriented platform. The project formally kicked off at EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels, and Airtel ATN is proud to be one of the partners.
For our team, NOMAD is a chance to bring more than three decades of Data Link experience to one of the most ambitious ATM modernisation projects in Europe. It is also a chance to work alongside air navigation service providers, technology companies and research institutions who share a clear goal: an ATM system that is more connected, more automated and far quicker to evolve.
What is the NOMAD project?
NOMAD is an industrial research project that will develop and validate a new-generation ATM platform for en-route and terminal manoeuvring area (TMA) operations.
The project is coordinated by Tern Systems and brings together 17 partners from across Europe. Its platform is built around four core ideas: cloud technology, automation, cybersecurity and real-time data sharing. The aim is to give ANSPs the ability to scale capacity up or down in line with traffic demand, while cutting delays, emissions and operational complexity.
NOMAD is targeting Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6). In practical terms, that means the technologies developed in the project will be validated in operationally relevant environments, ready for the next step towards deployment across Europe.
Why does European ATM need a service-oriented approach?
Many of today’s ATM systems are fragmented and tightly coupled. When one component changes, others have to change with it, and integration cycles stretch into years.
The European ATM Master Plan sets out a different path. It calls for a shift towards a data-driven, cloud-based, service-oriented architecture, moving the focus from individual assets to the services they deliver. That shift is designed to speed up the rollout of new capabilities and improve interoperability between ANSPs and other stakeholders. NOMAD is aligned directly with that vision and with the wider Digital European Sky programme.
What happened at the NOMAD kick-off meeting?
Around 30 stakeholders met at EUROCONTROL headquarters in Brussels to set the foundations for the project.
Hólmfríður Elvarsdóttir opened the day with welcome introductions, an overview of the NOMAD platform solution (Solution 3) and the project’s collaboration framework. Jorge Nieto Angulo, Juan Rodriguez and Ruben Flohr then shared insights on the SESAR Joint Undertaking, along with deliverables and key milestones.
The focus then moved to execution and technical direction. Eva Gunnlaugsdóttir walked through the project deliverables, milestones and high-level timeline. Technical deep dives followed, with Ján Cafík presenting NOMAD Solution 1 and Bruno Antulov-Fantulin introducing NOMAD Solution 2. Roland Guraly outlined the strategy for communication, dissemination and exploitation, and Hólmfríður closed the day with a discussion of immediate next steps.
It was a productive, well-organised start, and our thanks go to every speaker and participant for setting such a strong path forward.
Who are the NOMAD project partners?
The NOMAD consortium combines ANSPs, ATM technology specialists, research institutions and industry experts:
Tern Systems (coordinator), Avians, SkySoft-ATM, skyguide, HungaroControl, SKAI LABS, Idiap Research Institute, AVTECH Sweden, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, SpeechTex, MetSafe, SITA, Airtel ATN, Slot Consulting, ProofIT and Navya.
Having operational ANSPs such as skyguide and HungaroControl in the consortium means the platform will be shaped by the people who will ultimately rely on it, while academic partners bring research depth to areas such as automation.
What does Airtel ATN bring to NOMAD?
Within NOMAD, our contribution falls into four connected strands:
- Integrating the AGDLS into the Tern Systems ATC system.
- Integrating the ATN Test Tools into the project test environment.
- Potentially the Integration of our LACS Simulator into the test environment.
- Supporting validation.
“NOMAD is exactly the kind of collaboration European ATM needs. We are proud to bring our experience to the consortium and to work alongside such a strong group of partners.” Santi Ibarz, CEO, Airtel AT
How does NOMAD connect to what ANSPs are doing today?
Many European ANSPs are currently focused on meeting the Common Project 1 (CP1) data link requirements ahead of the December 2027 deadline. NOMAD looks further ahead, to the platforms those data link services will run alongside in the next decade. Both matter, and both depend on robust, standards-compliant air-ground communications.
Frequently asked questions
What does NOMAD stand for? Next-Gen Service Oriented Modular ATM Development for En-route & TMA.
Who funds the NOMAD project? NOMAD receives €21 million in funding from the SESAR Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.
Who leads NOMAD? Tern Systems is the project coordinator and solution lead.
What is TRL6? Technology Readiness Level 6 means a technology has been demonstrated in an operationally relevant environment. It is a key step before operational deployment.
How does NOMAD relate to the European ATM Master Plan? NOMAD supports the Master Plan’s move towards a data-driven, cloud-based, service-oriented architecture and the wider Digital European Sky vision.
What is Airtel ATN’s role in NOMAD? Airtel’s role is the integration of ATN Test tools in the test environment.
Follow our NOMAD journey
We will share updates as NOMAD progresses. To learn more about our work in European ATM research, visit our About Us page, or contact our team to talk about data link for your organisation.
