ECHO2 simulates integration of HAPS at the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub

On 7-11 April 2025, a real-time simulation on the integration of HAPS – high-altitude platform systems – into controlled airspace was performed at the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub, as part of the SESAR ECHO 2 project Solution 2.

The exercise involved air traffic controllers from ENAV Italy, LFV Sweden, NATS UK, NAV Portugal and ENAIRE Spain, participants from CIRA and Aalto (a HAPS manufacturer), as well as experts from the EUROCONTROL Network Manager and Innovation Hub.

The simulation tested a new concept of a 4D operating zone that surrounds the HAPS, allowing for more efficient utilisation of airspace, as the reserved space for the HAPS is smaller.

In addition, on 10 April we welcomed members of the Higher Altitude Operations (HAO) community for a Visitor Day, which provided them with an exclusive opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of the project and witness the real-time simulation.

Watch the video to learn more about the simulation.

The ECHO and ECHO 2 projects have received funding from the SESAR Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon Europe innovation programme under grant agreements No 890417 and No 101114697.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or SESAR Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.