CS SOFT integrates FF-ICE R1 into the backup system of ANS CR

Modernisation of flight plan and data processing in the ESUP-NS backup system

On 31 December 2024, a new solution for receiving and processing flight plan data in the ESUP-NS, backup system for air traffic control in the Czech Republic, was successfully handed over. This new version of the system includes modern processing of flight plans and flight data through the ICAO FF-ICE (Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment) concept, by introducing a new way of communication with the central processing node of EUROCONTROL in the context of the transition to SWIM - i.e. B2B communication according to the rules of release NM 27.0.

The core of the project was a software upgrade of the ESUP-NS system. The changes addressed the introduction of SWIM protocols into the ESUP system, integration of new functionalities for receiving and processing flight plans based on the FF-ICE concept, processing of SWIM flight data as defined and implemented in NM27 B2B. All modifications were made in accordance with the European Regulation (EU) 2021/116 (CP1), which supports the unification and modernisation of air traffic management systems in Europe.

Extension of ESUP-NS functionalities

As part of the implementation, the following key functionalities have been added to the system:

1. FF-ICE data processing

The system now supports enhanced FF-ICE data processing, replacing the existing reception of ICAO 2012 flight plan messages for IFR and mixed flights. It covers data that corresponds to ICAO messages such as:

• FPL, APL, CHG, ACH, DLA, CNL and others.

2. B2B FlightData data stream processing

Introduction of the new SWIM FlightData data stream processing enables the reception and processing of CASA (Computer Assisted Slot Allocation) data - i.e. the replacement of AFTN CASA messages SAM, SRM, FLS, DES, SLC, as well as the replacement of the current EFD messages which provide additional supplementary information.

3. Support for modern protocols and data exchange

The system now uses a combination of asynchronous and synchronous data processing:

• Asynchronous data reception is enabled through AMQP protocol in XML publish-subscribe based format.
• Synchronous data reception and sending uses the SOAP XML protocol with request-reply architecture.

At the same time, support for the original messages such as:

• RQP, FSA, DEP, ARR, REA and DPI was integrated.

Efficient synchronization of FF-ICE and FLIGHT data

The system now ensures asynchronous synchronisation of FF-ICE and FLIGHT data, which considerably improves the accuracy and speed of processing of flight plans and associated operational data.

CS SOFT is proud to have been able to successfully implement this project and contribute to the modernisation and safety of air traffic in the Czech Republic.