Introduction

Generally, automation means equipment that operates with minimal or reduced human intervention. In Air Traffic Management (ATM), automation was initially used for data exchange (flight plans, NOTAMs, estimates, etc.), starting in the 1950s. With the introduction of computers in the 1970s automated ATM systems were developed and more tasks were handled by machines. The process is ongoing and is fueled by traffic demand and the rapid development of computers and software.

Main Areas

There are three major areas where automation can improve the ATM system: