Abstract
Airspace fragmentation represents an issue that began to be more frequently mentioned within the Air Traffic Management (ATM) domain in the last two decades. Primarily, it is frequently listed as one of the main causes contributing to inefficiency of the ATM system in Europe. However, even though the issue of the European airspace fragmentation has been recognized back in the 1990s, over the past decades it has neither been frequently studied nor comprehensively addressed. Accordingly, minor progress has been made to describe this issue in more depth. Therefore, this research paper deals with the research of performance-based airspace fragmentation (one of several European airspace fragmentation types). It presents the conceptual and methodological framework of a novel model that can be used to obtain answers to hypothetical questions of where, when, how, and whether it is possible to achieve performance-based airspace defragmentation. Accordingly, it is expected that further studies of the developed model will deliver relevant information that may contribute to a more inclusive, smart, and spatially oriented development of the ATM system in Europe.
Highlights
National air traffic markets in Europe before 1987 were protected, regulated, and fragmented with a goal to safeguard national interests [1]
Airspace fragmentation represents an issue that began to be more frequently mentioned within the Air Traffic Management (ATM) domain in the last two decades
As long as individualistic approach in performance valorization is applicable within regulatory context, that contributes to the existence of performance-based airspace fragmentation
Summary
National air traffic markets in Europe before 1987 were protected, regulated, and fragmented with a goal to safeguard national interests [1]. The prerequisites for future economic development have been made (in the sense of air traffic market deregulation and liberalization) Despite these changes, the ATM system in Europe, i.e., the European airspace, remained fragmented due to national borders. That often leads to situations in which aircraft are being guided on the base of different operational requirements and restrictions [2] In such way, fragmentation limits airspace capacity, adversely affects the environment, increases operational costs, and above all, potentially affects safety [3]. The first part deals with research background It provides a literature review, regulatory framework review, data processing practice review, and most importantly, identification of their shortcomings (all of which are directly or indirectly contributing to the existence of performance-based airspace fragmentation). The paper is concluded with research overview and further research considerations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
