Milestone
This involves deploying the first operational version ("Gen 1.0") of the system-wide digital twin as an advisory tool. It moves from an "architecture" (Short Term) to a live tool used by controllers and airlines for initial active flight path optimization and network-wide "what-if" scenario planning.
Without this "Gen 1.0" deployment, the digital twin remains a concept. This would prevent the system from gathering the real-world operational data needed to mature the AI models, making the leap to the "Gen 2.0" fully autonomous system impossible.
Scenario
Optimising together
Context Factor
A fully developed, certified, and deployed ecosystem of net-zero technologies, from new propulsion to full autonomy.
Timeline
Medium term
PESTEL
Establish global 'open data' research platforms.
This action involves establishing the foundational "blueprint" for the global digital twin. This means defining the common data standards and core software architecture that will allow all future aircraft, airports, and ATM systems to connect to a single, shared, real-time virtual model of the entire aviation network.
Read moreOptimize the global network in real-time using the mature 'Gen 2.0' digital twin.
This is the mature, "Gen 2.0" predictive digital twin, which moves from an advisory tool (Medium Term) to the primary control system. It uses AI based optimizations to predict and resolve network conflicts in real-time, managing all flights as a single, unified global fleet.
Read more"Since 1990, about 14.66 billion tonnes of CO2 have been avoided due to new technology and operational efficiencies. The adoption of digital tools, particularly as more organizations figure out best uses for artificial intelligence in their particular field, will only serve to further these gains as increasingly efficient aircraft operate on increasingly efficient routes." (2025 ICAO Environmental Report, p. 72-73)
"The era of predictive digital twin technology will help to use smart sensors to monitor the loads but also the health of the aircraft and thus ensure structural integrity. ... Finally, the digital twin will open the path to virtual flight tests for predicting fatigue damage and static strength during the entire service life." (Accelerating the path towards carbon-free aviation (2022), p. 32)