ATM Modernization

NASA, China to Collaborate on Improving ATM

By Juliet Van Wagenen | September 30, 2016
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NASA logo on plane tailfin. Photo: NASA
NASA logo on plane tailfin. Photo: NASA

[Avionics Today 09-30-2016] NASA and the Chinese Aeronautical Establishment (CAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on aeronautics research that aim to advance air transportation automation for U.S. and Chinese aviation operations in China. This five-year collaborative effort will acquire and analyze data from Chinese airports to identify potential efficiencies in air traffic management.

NASA expects the results of this collaboration to lead to improvements in air transportation concepts and technologies. This research complements the work currently being performed by the Airspace Operations and Safety Program within NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. NASA will accomplish this work in coordination with U.S. airlines and industry.

“China is expected to see a substantial increase in air travel in the near future,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a visit to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in August. “Our ability to work closely together will help to improve predictability of ground delays so air carriers can better plan departures to increase efficiencies. That will have a positive impact on U.S. carriers operating in China and the global aviation community.”

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