Thales has implemented its Green Flag Orchestrator air traffic optimisation tool at air traffic control centers in Brest and Reims, France, demonstrating fuel savings of 200-300kg per optimized flight.
The system helps ANSPs identify opportunities to relax air traffic control constraints, enabling airlines to optimize flight plans and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Green Flag Orchestrator uses advanced decision-making algorithms to automatically identify where air traffic control restrictions can be relaxed without compromising safety. The system suggests these opportunities to airlines, allowing them to adjust flight paths for improved efficiency.
The deployment forms part of the EU-funded SESAR JU CONCERTO project, which aims to optimize CO2 reduction opportunities and integrate sustainable air traffic control practices. The project focuses on reducing total CO2 and non-CO2 emissions from aviation.
"The integration of the Green Flag concept at Brest and Reims ACCs aligns with our commitment to promoting a greener aviation industry," said Florence Serdot-Omer, head of unit validation of concept and new technologies at DSNA.
David Antonello, ATM green operations lead at Thales and CONCERTO project leader, said: "Combining advanced algorithms and collaborative tools, the Green Flag Orchestrator empowers Air Navigation Service Providers and airlines to make environmentally conscious decisions, and unlock numerous opportunities for flight path optimization."
The solution maintains operational capacity and safety levels while optimizing workload for air navigation service providers through automation and digital coordination.
Andreas Boschen, executive director of SESAR Joint Undertaking, described the deployment as "a great example of the SESAR innovation pipeline in action—transforming promising ideas into tools that deliver immediate environmental benefits."
CONCERTO brings together 23 partners including major airlines, air navigation service providers, research institutions, and technology companies. The project develops two solutions: an Orchestrator for Eco Friendly Operations and a Traffic Flow Optimizer based on Total Climate Impact.
DSNA, France's air navigation service provider, handled 3.4 million flights in 2024 with a daily peak of 11,632 flights on July 5 - a European record. The organization operates five area control centers, 70 control towers, and three overseas regional structures.