In only three years, Boeing Air Traffic Management has significantly changed the conversation about air traffic system modernization. Instead of inserting new technology into the current system with only incremental safety and capacity gains, we are leveraging Boeing’s expertise in network-centric operations and demonstrating how a networkenabled air traffic system will yield an information-rich and collaborative environment that will dramatically improve system operations.

Industry and government leaders around the world are now advocating transformational change that will allow air traffic growth to be unconstrained by capacity issues, while enhancing safety and security. A transformed air traffic system will improve the market outlook for Boeing commercial airplanes and enable the introduction of unmanned vehicles and other types of new Boeing aircraft into commercial airspace.

Year in Review In 2003, Boeing worked with more than 100 aviation stakeholders globally to determine their requirements for a new air traffic management system. We also entered into a strategic agreement with Europe’s Air Traffic Alliance (a grouping of EADS, Airbus and Thales) to work toward common solutions to system modernization on both sides of the Atlantic.

Boeing and its subsidiary—Preston Aviation Solutions, Melbourne, Australia—completed the first two demonstration segments of the Global Communication, Navigation and Surveillance System contract with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We also successfully completed a project at Beijing Capital International Airport, using modeling and simulation tools to help BCIA decide among several alternatives for a third runway.

In conjunction with Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland (LVNL) Air Traffic Control, The Netherlands, we completed the first phase of a project that will enhance capacity and reduce noise and emissions at Schiphol Airport. We also entered the second phase of the NASA Virtual Airspace Modeling and Simulation project to evaluate and refine a concept for increasing airspace capacity systemwide. Additionally, Boeing began working with EUROCONTROL, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, to improve synchronization of air traffic flow across Europe and enhance analysis of the economic impact of air system improvements.

In 2003, a Boeing-led team moved into the next phase of the FAA’s Traffic Flow Management Modernization (TFMM) project competition. A final award in the TFMM competition is expected by summer 2004.

Future Outlook Our goal is to increase air traffic system capacity, efficiency, safety and security. Boeing is developing leading-edge modeling and simulation tools to help achieve its mission, and is leading advocacy efforts for transformational change. The FAA’s recent decision to form a Joint Planning and Development Office greatly enhances the prospects for the development of a network-enabled system in the United States, and Boeing’s “working together” efforts overseas are making global solutions possible.