The SYNCROMAX Solution for Air Traffic Flow Management in Brazil

Introduction

At recent years, air traffic demand increased at double-digit figures at several Brazilian airports and as a consequence increased controller workload was observed at many Sectors of the Air Traffic Control Facilities, with clear indications that demand consistently surpassed the available capacity of airports and air traffic control units. Although determination of air traffic control capacity values is still a very subjective and controversial issue, with no proven and universally accepted method in place, there is no doubt that there are limits and operating at values above a certain “threshold” will impact the system’s efficiency, and, ultimately, also it’s safety.

“Demand” is defined as the number of aircraft requesting to use the Air Traffic Management system in a given time period, whilst “Capacity” stands for the maximum number of aircraft that can be accommodated in a given time period. Capacity is normally expressed as the maximum number of aircraft which can be accepted over a given period of time within the airspace or at the aerodrome concerned, and, in order to maintain a balance between demand and capacity, the National Aeronautical Authorities decided to establish the Air Traffic Flow Management service, as a centralized unit within the Brazilian Air Navigation Management Center (CGNA). From the very beginning it was clear that the management of air traffic flow would require acquisition and processing of huge amount of data and, therefore, the automated Traffic Flow Management System (SYNCROMAX) became a major enabler of the new service.

The automated Traffic Flow Management System presents a system-wide overview of actual and projected air traffic situations, offering flow managers with detailed information that supports the implementation of a broad range of measures, encompassing strategic, pre-tactical, and tactical scenarios. The variety of offerings assists in preventing imbalances between system and associated services capacity and demand on Air Traffic Control, airport and airspace systems. Ultimately, it contributes to reduce or eliminate restrictions to users and enhance operational safety. The system offers, through a set of user-friendly and intuitive graphical interfaces, secure and accurate decision support information.

This chapter starts focusing on some general aspects of Air Traffic Flow Management in Civil Aviation and its envisaged goals in terms of safe and efficient maximum use of limited capacity of airports and airspace, both in terminal areas and en route. Further, information is presented on the Brazilian Air Traffic scenario and more specific aspects of the SYNCROMAX System, it’s overall architecture, the underlying principles for a phased implementation, and status of work being advanced in the Brazilian Air Navigation Management Center. Finally, trends in air traffic flow management and technology are considered as guidelines to improve the system.