CEF FUNDINGTaking stock and moving forward

AIRSPACE BLOCKSFunctional, f lawed or the future?

FROM AIRPORT MEGA-HUBS TO GOOGLE VR Who owns the air passenger’s spare time?

The aviat ion consultancy of Egis

The Helios Newsletter - Issue 3, 2016

ON AIR«

1 9 9 6 - 2 0 1 6

AN N I V E R S A R

Y

20

Executive Chairman

AVIATION FACTSIn a world full of statistics, aviation offers up its fair share

of the quirkiest and often mind-blowing numbers! Helios

regularly undertakes detailed analysis and benchmarking

of large data sets, deftly considering many of the

complex inter-relationships in the commercial aviation

sector, underpinned by our team’s real world expertise.

Here we share just a few of the amazing numbers that we

have uncovered, some impressive and some more light-

hearted, but all of which go to show that aviation matters

to the inter-connected world around us.

Awareness and collaborationFollowing on from our Farnborough celebrations during

Airshow week, the next leg of Helios’ 20th anniversary

journey took place in Brussels, where we met with

customers recently and where we are solidifying our

presence as a company. Marvelling at the show of aircraft

in the aviation hall of the Royal Museum of the Armed

Forces and Military History, I learned that a large-scale

international exchange and publicity campaign helped it

to grow its collection from just thirty aircraft in 1972 to 130

today, placing it among the most important air museums in

Europe.

In similar spirit, Helios has this month set about raising

awareness of the latest European funds for collaboration

and innovation in aviation, and how to access them. You

can read our short advisory piece opposite, but please do

get in touch for more information.

Again on the theme of collaboration, Joe Taylor writes

a staunch defence of FABs and their place in the Single

European Sky toolkit.

And finally, Mike Pearson wants greater awareness of

customer behaviours and technology trends to be built

into airport planning. Should we collaborate to build some

future scenarios?

All food for thought …

Best wishes

Mike ShorthoseLEADING EDGE

the number of jobs supported worldwide by aviation63 million

>10 000 the average number of flights in the air at one time

the forecasted contribution aviation will make to GDP by 20261 Trillion

the place aviation would rank in terms of GDP, if it were a country21st

the number of passengers carried on scheduled services in 2015>3.5 billion

O On 8 July EU Member States approved the Commission’s list of the 195

transport projects that will receive €6.7 billion of EU funding under the

2015 CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) Transport Calls for Proposals,

including close to €700 million of funding for projects under the SESAR priority.

Expert support from Helios helped two European ANSPs and the Borealis Alliance

secure over €100 million of funding, including for the implementation of Remote

Tower Services and the evolution of Free Route Airspace over Northern Europe.

However, the clock has again started ticking with the recent opening of the

2016 Transport Call, releasing €400 M of funding for Projects under the SESAR

priority. Given the tight deadlines involved in the application process, it is therefore

sensible for stakeholders, including ANSPs and airports, to be asking themselves a

few questions, in order to maximise their chances of receiving funding:

Q: Have we understood the Deployment Programme? In the 2015 Call, 80% of

SESAR funding (€650 million) was made available for projects deploying ATM

functionalities identified in the Pilot Common Project (PCP). The Deployment

Programme lists the status of implementation of ATM Functionalities for all

airports and States covered by the PCP, and so aligning your projects with gaps

in your State’s or Airport’s implementation of the PCP is the first step towards

receiving funding for Common Projects.

Q: Do we have any innovative projects that fall outside the Deployment

Programme but that should be eligible for SESAR funding? Remote Towers are a

great example of an initiative outside the Deployment Programme which received

funding in the 2015 Call. Identifying these projects means thinking outside the

box (and studying the ATM Masterplan)!

Q: Are we eligible for Cohesion funding? Last year the General Call was

heavily oversubscribed, but the Cohesion Call (aimed at Member States whose

Gross National Income per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average) was

significantly undersubscribed and distributed less than a third of the funding

made available.

Q: Do we have the resources to successfully apply for funding? CEF applications

require an expert understanding of SESAR, particularly the Deployment Programme

and the PCP, and can be time intensive. Investment in extra personnel, or recruiting

expert help, could be the difference

between success or failure!

CEF FundingTaking stock and moving forward

H e l i o s h e l p e d t w o E u r o p e a n A N S P s a n d t h e B o r e a l i s A l l i a n c e s e c u r e o v e r € 1 0 0 m i l l i o n o f f u n d i n g

Author: Stuart Gardnerstuart.gardner@askhelios.com.

Airspace blocks: flawed or the future?

Fourteen European Member States face legal

action for non-conformity with FAB regulation.

A study is now underway to work out how far

FABs have progressed and what to do with them

next, led by the European Commission. But is the

non-conformity of some FABs overshadowing the

achievement of others? Here Joe Taylor offers his

personal view:

Many people consider FABs to have failed as

other initiatives grow. New technology and business

models promise to have a disruptive influence, more

States are opening air traffic services to competition

and the Performance Scheme drives improvements

in other ways. There is considerable uncertainty

about the future of FABs, but is this well-founded?

FABs have not failed. It is the difference between

what has been achieved and what was originally

expected (elimination of fragmentation) which

undermines their value and diminishes their

achievements. FAB projects can be counted amongst

the most progressive to have been delivered in

contribution to the Single European Sky (see diagram).

FABs should embrace qualities which set them

apart. As partnerships bound by national governments

they are powerful vehicles for change. They represent

the most mature basis for cooperation that ANSPs

have, and regional proximity lends itself to cooperation.

FABs have reason to be positive and confident. They

have delivered some innovative initiatives in the past,

and are primed with solid foundations for the future.

That said, FABs should recognise their limitations

and adapt in order to forge a bright outlook. Whereas

FABs are driven through top down regulation, more

flexible partnerships can define their own direction

based on choice. FABs should look at the overarching

aims of the Single European Sky rather than specific

regulation, and develop a clear vision for how they

can uniquely contribute based on aligned business

needs - deciding what not to do is as important as

deciding what to do.

Author: Joe Taylorjoe.taylor@askhelios.com

FABAchievements

The changing European ATM environment brings

many exciting opportunities for FABs to explore. The

best among them will pick something long term,

additive and of mutual benefit: digitalisation, joint

research and innovation, Big Data, virtual and remote

operations, exporting joint services. They should now

adapt and embrace their position as a unique part

of a growing toolbox to deliver the Single European

Sky. The alternative is that change may be imposed

upon them.

Joe Taylor spent 18 months onsite in Bulgaria

and Romania as the Project Management Contractor

for the DANUBE Functional Airspace Block, from

January 2015 – July 2016.

NUAC First company to

deliver en-route ATM in a common airspace

Cross Border Sectors:

First example of cross border alteration of

charging zones to optimise FIR boundaries

Common ATM System

Plans to procure common ATM System, lowering

cost and increasingperformance

Legal EntityHarmonisation of procurement

procedures and central management

Dynamic Sectorisation

First operational trials in Europe for tactical

switching of ATS between providers

First cross border arrival service of its kind in the world.

Reduced time in holding stacks into LHR

FAB-wide migration from manual to electronic safety

reporting

FRASI FRAAmbition to create the biggest FRA zone in

Europe, extending from north Africa – mid Atlantic

North East Free Route Airspace

The basis of the Borealis Alliance, linking 2 other

FRA FAB initiatives

DK-SE

DAN

UB

E

UK

IR

EC

NE

SW

BA

LTIC

CE

BLUE MED

Automation of occurrence management Extended XMAN

TECHNICAL & HR AIRSPACE AIRSPACE AIRSPACE AIRSPACE

TECHNICAL &

HR

AI

RSPA

CE

TEC

HNIC

AL &

HR

T

ECHNICAL & HR

We are told that, with the expansion of new travel-related technologies,

comes more ‘free’ time during a passenger’s journey to, and

through, the airport. However, the assumption is always that this

time belongs to the airport, which can then woo, entertain and sell to passengers

in a post-security nirvana. Airport concepts of the future are now being drawn

as playgrounds, but just how real is this notion? As both a user and designer of

airports, I’m sorry to report that I’m that guy that walks on to the plane at the last

minute: you know him, the one who is threatened with off-load for fear of missing

the almost mythical on-time departure!

The reality though, is that I’m not lost in the shops, or sipping champagne

nor am I having a facial massage…simply put, I choose to NOT spend all of my

pre-flight time at the airport! I’m clearly not alone, as more and more passengers

choose to bypass the pre-flight shopping experience altogether in preference for

smaller, dedicated, lounges where they can at least subtly exert some choice in

how they use their time.

My thesis here is that airport designers and operators need to carefully

reconsider the future travel experience - and the distinct possibility of radically

different scenarios for mass air travel - and how they design new and existing

facilities and operations to cope. Our travel habits have changed due to new

technologies, but have they changed in the way we originally anticipated? It is no

longer sufficient for airports to pay lip-service to looming technological change,

only to only tweak the existing travel paradigm and then backfill it with a massive

new dose of passenger indulgence.

I remain unpersuaded by the implicit assumption that just because I will

have more time to spare means that my spare time, and money, will get spent at

the airport. If reality is shifting into ‘immersive’ experiences using a Google VR

cardboard box, then who is to say what we might be doing in advance of flights

in the future? Maybe we’ll be doing shopping or security screening in totally new

ways, using VR self-service processes that can be done anywhere and anytime

before arrival at the aircraft door. “Just in time” delivery might no longer apply

solely to car parts at Nissan’s factory, but might be the norm for passengers

accessing their flight, having arrived seamlessly from home by an Uber-esque

air-drone-taxi service. Far-fetched? Maybe. Maybe not. But the converging

space of airport concept planning, airline business models, mass travel, new

building engineering methods, all coupled with rapid technological advances and

heightened environmental awareness, suggests that the existing paradigm might

well be in need of a fundamental overhaul.

Author: Mike Pearsonmike.pearson@askhelios.com

FROM AIRPORT MEGA-HUBSTO GOOGLE VR... Who owns the air passenger’s spare time?

Conformity Assessment – Demonstrating compliance with the

requirements of regulation remains a key challenge for CNS/ATM

providers and NSAs, particularly when it is as complex as the Interoperability

Regulation and the growing number of Implementing Rules attached to it.

Having originally developed the Eurocontrol guidance material, Helios has

since worked closely with several ANSPs and CNS/ATM providers, most

recently including those from the North Sea oil industry. We are experienced

at integrating the process of Conformity Assessment into existing

engineering processes regardless of the type of CNS/ATM system. No

matter where you are based our approach focusses on simplifying language,

engaging stakeholders and reducing the burden of Conformity Assessment

through the use of tried and tested processes.

Skyguide Safety Frameworks – Helios provided on-site methodology

development for skyguide’s Safety Department. We led safety

workshops, supported other safety assessments and produced safety

documentation. We also helped further develop their safety framework,

resulting in a new release. The newly developed framework aims to help

managers identify whether a change requires an assessment, clearly

defines the steps which need to be taken, and reduces the amount of

documentation to be produced; all while maintaining the quality of the safety

assessments. The new framework has been accepted by the Swiss regulator

(FOCA).

Toronto Airspace Review – NAV CANADA has appointed Helios,

together with Graham Lake and Bo Redeborn, to complete an

independent investigation into issues associated with aircraft noise in

Toronto. The team will review the current situation regarding air traffic

management practices, flight path design and aircraft operating practices

and will consult with a range of concerned stakeholders from across the

greater Toronto area. This will culminate in the production of a final report

that will present the conclusions and any recommendations relating to

whether there are further initiatives and solutions to help mitigate issues

associated with aircraft noise.

Tales from Eastern Europe – In September, Joe returned to our head

office from a two-year secondment to Eastern Europe. As the head of

the Project Management Office of the DANUBE FAB and the independent

interface between ROMATSA and BULATSA, Joe supported the FAB to

define its strategy, initiate and drive joint projects, ensure effective working

of its governance structures and consultation platforms, and facilitated

communication internally between partners and externally to other European

States and Institutions.

Now back on home soil, aside from missing the delights of Eastern

Europe, Joe is looking forward to using his on-site experience in the heart

of two ANSPs to support the development of ANS strategy through Helios’

contracts with European Institutions and ANSPs.

HOT AIR«

OFF AIR«

ON LINE«

Please send change-of-address notifications to onair@askhelios.com; by post to Helios,

29 Hercules Way, Aerospace Boulevard, AeroPark, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6UU,

UK; or call us on +44 1252 451 651.

This newsletter has been written for the interest of our clients and colleagues. We

believe the facts are correct at the time of printing, but cannot be held responsible for

any errors or omissions.

www.askhelios.com

Helios is the aviation consultancy of Egis, delivering management consultancy,

strategy, investment and technical advice across the globe. Combining analytical

rigour, strategic context and creativity, we bring independence and insight to every

opportunity we address.

Our parent company, Egis, is an international group headquartered in Europe, with

over 13,000 employees and a turnover of $1bn.

Did you know?.. .Helios consultants write fortnightly blogs. These are short

and topical, covering industry news, insights and conference

reviews.

Here’s a selection of our latest:

• Integrated risk management for effective decisions

– Glen Smith

• Exploring the future of airports in 2050 – Claire Davies

• How long until we see remote towers at complex airports?

– David Phelps

• Aviation cyber-security: are we under attack yet?

– Matt Shreeve

• Integrated Risk Management: what it means to the aviation

industry? – Claire Blejean

• A strategic approach to airspace planning – Ivan Baruta

Go to www.askhelios.com/blog to read them and follow us on

Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook to get notifications.

It ’s a roll-over…Sadly no one managed to solve last issue’s wonderfully

difficult brain teaser of a puzzle. So we’ve decided

to roll the prize forward for this issue and draw two

winners from the pile of correct answers we receive –

giving two Helios prizes. So do take part! What better

encouragement to get those grey cells working?!

Rogue droneA farmer has 12 miniature drones in his ‘swarm’; all

look and feel identical. One of them is slightly heavier or

lighter (he doesn’t know which), and they have not been

charged, so he cannot fly them. He has a comparative

scale (which tells if what is put on the left side is heavier

or lighter than on the right side). He needs to find which

one is the non-standard drone and whether it is heavier

or lighter, but he only has three goes on the scale.

Clue: divide the drones into groups of 4 and then, as a first step, choosetwo groups and weigh one against the other.

How does he do it?

The answer will be published in the next edition of ON

AIR. Please send your solutions to onair@askhelios.

com by the 27th December 2016. The first two correct

answers drawn at random after this date will win a pair of

Helios noise-cancelling headphones. Good luck!