Integration of a Routing Tool in an Advanced Airport Controller Working Position

Integrating a new concept into the air traffic control system is always a big challenge, in particular when the new concept impacts the controller human machine interface. The routing tool is a new concept that aims to support the tower, ground or apron controller by computing the surface routes to be provided to pilots. The routing tool is also an enabler of other new concepts such as guidance via airport datalink, guidance via airfield ground lighting, and airport conformance monitoring safety nets. To prove and evaluate the concept, EUROCONTROL, DFS and their SESAR partners set up a series of experiments with the participation of air traffic controllers from Germany, Italy and France. In this paper we explain the concept, we detail the results of the different experiments, we discuss the impact on the controller, and we provide some recommendations for future implementation.