AVTECH Joins Two Groundbreaking Research Initiatives to Advance Sustainable Air Traffic Management
AVTECH Sweden AB, a global provider of advanced in-flight optimization and safety services, is proud to announce its participation in two Swedish research projects funded by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) aimed at shaping the future of sustainable aviation: FriendlyTMA and CONTRA. These initiatives will address two critical challenges in modern air traffic management, inefficient arrival flows and the climate impact of contrails, through cutting-edge technology and collaborative innovation.
Both projects, funded by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) and running from 2025 to 2028, represent the next step in a long line of collaborative initiatives aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental impact while improving predictability, safety, and operational efficiency.
Tackling Key Challenges in Aviation
Today, aircraft often fly inefficient arrival routes into destination airports due to the lack of advanced decision-support tools for air traffic controllers. These suboptimal paths lead to unnecessary fuel consumption, delays, and increased emissions. At the same time, contrails, thin ice clouds formed at high altitudes, are increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to global warming, sometimes even surpassing the climate impact of CO₂ emissions.
FriendlyTMA focuses on optimizing arrivals through dynamic Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) that adapt in real time to traffic, weather conditions, and airspace constraints. This approach aims to reduce emissions, improve predictability, and enhance operational resilience.
CONTRA addresses the climate challenge from above by studying contrail formation and developing strategies to minimize their impact without compromising safety or efficiency. The project will analyze contrail formation, model avoidance strategies, and assess operational trade-offs.
Leveraging Expertise and Technology
Both projects utilize AVTECH’s knowledge and technology platform, in daily use with more than 2,200 jet aircraft in commercial operation globally.
In addition, Linköping University contributes with method development and advanced algorithms for optimizing arrival flows, while LFV (the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration) provides extensive expertise in air traffic management and aviation analysis. Together, these actors create a strong foundation for the development of sustainable air traffic systems of the future.
A Shared Vision for Greener Skies
“AVTECH is committed to driving innovation that makes aviation smarter, cleaner, and more predictable,” said David Rytter, CEO of AVTECH Sweden AB. “Our involvement in Friendly TMA and CONTRA reflects our dedication to improving efficiency and fostering collaboration across the industry. These initiatives not only strengthen our position as a forward-thinking technology provider, but also open up new long-term business opportunities aligned with the global shift toward sustainable aviation.”
Running between 2025 and 2028, these projects represent a decisive step toward a future where efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. By bridging research, operations, and industry expertise, AVTECH and its partners aim to make the skies not only safer and more efficient — but significantly greener.