European ATM Collaboration iTEC Formally Extended at World ATM Congress 2015

Executive members of iTEC (interoperability Through European Collaboration) project signed a formal agreement on 11 March 2015 at World ATM Congress in Madrid, extending the technical and commercial confines of the collaboration and committing to the conditions for developing the common iTEC Controller Working Position (CWP).

iTEC brings together the air navigation service providers of Spain -- (ENAIRE), Germany (DFS), the UK (NATS), and the Netherlands (LVNL) -- alongside systems provider Indra. It was initially established in order to develop a next-generation Flight Data Processing (iTEC-FDP) system and to explore collaboration on a Controller Working Position (iTEC-CWP).

The extension of the existing collaboration recognises the success in developing the FDP system together, and more recently, agreeing on the common specifications for the CWP, while maintaining interoperability with other European air traffic management systems.

The goal of the collaboration is to develop a high-end air traffic management system for busy and complex airspace that meets the SESAR requirements and enables significant steps forward in productivity. iTEC's achievements provide a platform for synergies and thus cost reductions, helping to realise the vision of a Single European Sky (SES) with greater efficiencies and service standards for Europe's airspace users.

Maurizio Castelletti, Head of SES Unit-DG Move of the European Commission - and Michael Standar, Chief Strategies and External Relations for the SJU, addressed the audience at the event, commending the collaboration on the progress so far and recognising the contribution iTEC will make to the future development of European airspace.

Ignacio González, Chairman of the iTEC board, said: "Working together through collaborative ventures such as the iTEC Controller Working Position, which will integrate the most advanced features of SESAR developments, is the most effective way to deliver ANSP efficiencies and enhancements for the benefit of everyone within the aviation community, including passengers."