At ATM Excite, we’re pioneering the future of European air traffic management. As skies become more complex, with drones, military flights, and commercial aviation sharing airspace, real-time decisions are crucial. That’s why we’re leveraging edge computing in air traffic to bring processing power closer to where data is generated: at remote towers, sensors, and surveillance nodes. This shift enables faster responses, greater system autonomy, and enhanced safety. Supported by the SESAR3 Joint Undertaking and the EU’s Horizon Europe program, we’re shaping a smarter, more secure aviation environment through innovation at the edge.
What is edge computing in air traffic?
At ATM Excite, we define edge computing in air traffic as a revolutionary way to process critical data closer to its source, whether that’s a remote control tower, an airspace radar, or an onboard sensor. Unlike traditional centralized ATM systems that process data in remote data centers located hundreds of kilometers away, edge computing architectures deploy computational resources at airports, control centers, and even aboard aircraft themselves, enabling real-time decision-making within 1-2 seconds of data generation rather than the 15-30 second delays typical of centralized systems.
In the context of real-time ATM data, this means faster reaction times, greater system resilience, and the ability to manage a diverse range of airspace users, including drones and military aircraft. Edge nodes operate semi-independently, making them ideal for high-demand or infrastructure-limited environments.
This distributed architecture delivers multiple operational benefits including enhanced cybersecurity through localized data processing that minimizes transmission of sensitive flight information across networks, improved resilience by reducing dependency on wide-area network connectivity, and critical autonomous decision-making capabilities essential for military operations in contested or communications-degraded environments.
Edge computing serves as a fundamental enabler of the SESAR 3 Programme’s Digital European Sky vision, supporting the transition to service-oriented, cloud-native ATM architectures while facilitating the integration of advanced civil-military coordination mechanisms such as Dynamic Airspace Configuration and Advanced Flexible Use of Airspace.
Benefits of edge computing for real-time ATM Systems
At ATM Excite, we believe real-time ATM data is only as powerful as the speed and reliability with which it can be processed. That’s where aviation edge technology makes a transformative impact. By shifting computation closer to the data source, we’re unlocking several critical advantages for air traffic management:
- Ultra-low latency: Edge nodes eliminate delays caused by data traveling to and from centralized servers, ensuring immediate response in time-sensitive airspace operations.
- Increased reliability: Localized processing enhances fault tolerance. Even if a network link fails, systems at the edge can continue operating independently.
- Operational autonomy: Especially in joint civil-military scenarios or remote zones, edge computing enables on-the-spot decision-making without waiting for centralized approval.
- Scalability: From handling thousands of commercial flights to integrating unmanned vehicles, edge architecture adapts dynamically to new traffic types.
These benefits make edge computing a foundational layer for next-generation ATM systems, supporting more responsive, secure, and intelligent control of European airspace. At ATM Excite, our mission is to harness these advantages to support the EU’s vision of a fully integrated and modern aviation ecosystem.
Where is edge computing used in aviation?
At ATM Excite, we’re deploying aviation edge technology across a growing number of operational environments to optimize how air traffic is managed. One of the most impactful applications is in remote digital towers. These systems use real-time visual and sensor data processed locally to manage airports without the need for on-site air traffic controllers, enhancing efficiency, especially in rural or low-traffic zones.
Edge computing is also crucial in unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems. As drones and autonomous aerial vehicles become more common, decentralized data processing ensures responsive traffic coordination, conflict detection, and safe integration with manned flights. Additionally, in civil-military coordination, localized edge systems allow real-time data fusion and situational awareness while respecting security constraints and data segregation.
These are just a few ways we at ATM Excite are integrating edge computing into today’s airspace infrastructure, bringing real-time intelligence directly to where decisions matter most.
ATM EXCITE’s role in driving edge innovation
At ATM Excite, our mission is clear: to modernize Europe’s air traffic management through cutting-edge solutions. Backed by the SESAR3 Joint Undertaking and the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program, we’re at the forefront of embedding edge computing in air traffic to address the sector’s most urgent challenges.
Our approach is built around seamless civil-military coordination, which demands not only interoperability but also real-time responsiveness, exactly what edge computing enables. By decentralizing data processing, we create secure, autonomous environments where decisions are made instantly, and critical operations are never delayed.
One of our key goals is to integrate real-time ATM data into scalable architectures that serve both conventional and next-generation airspace users. We’re currently working on pilots that involve drone traffic, cross-border coordination, and dynamic airspace reconfiguration, all supported by localized edge nodes that minimize latency and maximize operational safety. As aviation continues to evolve, we at ATM Excite are ensuring Europe remains a global leader in air traffic innovation, powered by smart, distributed technology.
Real-life pilots and use cases
At ATM-Excite we’re currently leading multiple pilots across Europe that showcase the potential of aviation edge technology in operational environments.
One notable pilot involves the deployment of edge-powered digital towers at regional airports, where real-time video feeds and sensor data are processed locally. This enables controllers to manage air traffic remotely with the same, or even greater, accuracy and safety as traditional towers, while cutting infrastructure costs.
Another ongoing test explores dynamic airspace reconfiguration supported by real-time ATM data from both manned and unmanned aircraft. In these scenarios, edge computing allows for fast, autonomous decision-making to safely adjust flight paths in response to military exercises or unexpected events.
We’re also collaborating with defense and civil stakeholders to trial hybrid edge systems for secure data exchange between military and civilian platforms, ensuring that national security and operational transparency coexist without compromise.
Each use case reinforces our belief: edge computing is not just a future concept, it’s already transforming the way Europe manages its skies. And at ATM Excite, we’re proud to be at the helm of this transformation.
Challenges and future outlook
While the benefits of edge computing in air traffic are clear, deploying this technology at scale presents important challenges. At ATM-Excite, we are actively addressing concerns around cybersecurity, ensuring that edge nodes remain secure without compromising speed. We’re also working to streamline data governance and interoperability between diverse systems and stakeholders.
Looking ahead, our focus is on expanding pilots, refining real-time decision models, and ensuring regulatory alignment across Europe. Edge technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. And we at ATM Excite are committed to leading its safe, effective integration into the future of aviation.
At ATM Excite, we’re shaping the next generation of air traffic management, secure, responsive, and ready for the future. If you’re ready to explore how edge computing can transform your ATM operations or collaborate on innovative pilots, contact us today.
