Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 19 minutes ago
SMARTS is a SESAR Joint Undertaking exploratory research project led by CRIDA with the involvement of ENAIRE, NATS, ENAC France, DLR, Lancaster University and EUROCONTROL. For the last 2.5 years, it has been developing an end-to-end framework, now at TRL2, that will enable smarter, more flexible airspace configurations from D-1 (or even years prior to the day of operations) up to a few hours before operations.
By harnessing #AI 🤖 & mathematical optimisation🧮, #SMARTS delivers dynamic sector design that is closely aligned with real traffic flows & evolving demand patterns.
The concept was validated through two major exercises using Madrid ACC 🇪🇸 airspace:
📌 CRIDA conducted a real-time simulation in which flow management positions (#FMPs) used the PUZZLE tool in realistic traffic environments.
📌 EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub (#EIH) validated an enhanced version of its R-NEST tool, integrating its own SAGA automated sector design algorithm + ICO, the Improved Configuration Optimiser.
At the #EIH we tested these algorithms on 12 busy Summer 2023 days, as well as on 2030 traffic projections. The solution delivered:
➡️significant overload reduction
➡️fewer cumulative control position hours.
#SMARTS therefore promises to:
☑️deliver greater operational efficiency
☑️balance workload better across an entire ACC
☑️ensure smoother & more efficient opening schemes.
SMARTS is a SESAR Joint Undertaking exploratory research project led by CRIDA with the involvement of ENAIRE, NATS, ENAC France, DLR, Lancaster University and EUROCONTROL. For the last 2.5 years, it has been developing an end-to-end framework, now at TRL2, that will enable smarter, more flexible airspace configurations from D-1 (or even years prior to the day of operations) up to a few hours before operations.
By harnessing #AI 🤖 & mathematical optimisation🧮, #SMARTS delivers dynamic sector design that is closely aligned with real traffic flows & evolving demand patterns.
The concept was validated through two major exercises using Madrid ACC 🇪🇸 airspace:
📌 CRIDA conducted a real-time simulation in which flow management positions (#FMPs) used the PUZZLE tool in realistic traffic environments.
📌 EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub (#EIH) validated an enhanced version of its R-NEST tool, integrating its own SAGA automated sector design algorithm + ICO, the Improved Configuration Optimiser.
At the #EIH we tested these algorithms on 12 busy Summer 2023 days, as well as on 2030 traffic projections. The solution delivered:
➡️significant overload reduction
➡️fewer cumulative control position hours.
#SMARTS therefore promises to:
☑️deliver greater operational efficiency
☑️balance workload better across an entire ACC
☑️ensure smoother & more efficient opening schemes.
