The global airspace is experiencing a confluence of factors that challenge traditional air traffic management systems. An increase in flight numbers, and passengers, coupled with a growing diversity of aircraft types, is staying in the current infrastructure. This trend is corroborated by a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which forecasts record-breaking aviation activity in 2024. These findings underscore the need for innovative solutions to ensure the safe and efficient management of airspace in the coming years.

Project Bluebird is a UK government-funded research project that aims to address these challenges by delivering the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) system capable of controlling a section of airspace in live trials.

What is Project Bluebird?

The main objective of Project Bluebird is to develop AI agents that can support air traffic controllers in handling the complexities of UK airspace, one of the most intricate airspaces in the world. Project Bluebird aims to create skilled AI agents (entities who can act autonomously in an environment)  that have been trained in real-world air traffic scenarios. The aim is to explore how these AI agents can aid air traffic controllers by equipping them with the necessary data and AI-driven technology to manage the increased demands on UK airspace.

The Project aims to ensure safe and accessible UK skies for all users, while also minimising fuel consumption and aiding the aviation industry’s journey towards carbon neutrality. This essentially means balancing any remaining emissions with efforts to remove an equal amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The project’s findings could have significant benefits for air traffic control and other areas where AI can support decision-making.

 The Complexity of UK Airspace

Managing UK airspace is challenging. Each year, around 2.5 million flights and 250 million passengers traverse its skies, and this volume is only set to increase. In the UK, there are two types of airspace: controlled and uncontrolled. In controlled airspace, pilots receive instructions from air traffic controllers regarding where, when, and how to position their aircraft. Uncontrolled airspace, on the other hand, offers greater freedom to pilots but requires them to rely on their own judgment and visual flight rules (VFR) to maintain separation from other aircraft.

Commercial aircrafts primarily operate in controlled airspace, which is managed by skilled and trained air traffic controllers, who handle as many as 8,000 planes per day and must make quick, confident decisions in high-pressure situations, often dealing with uncertainties like adverse weather conditions. Project Bluebird addresses these challenges by focusing on how AI can assist in managing these uncertainties, enhancing the efficiency and safety of airspace operations.

 Project Bluebird built by a Multidisciplinary Team

Over the past two years, Project Bluebird has made significant strides. The team (composed of over 40 experts in math, computer science, engineering, data science, social science, air traffic control, safety transformation, system engineering, domain experts, and project management, among other fields) has developed AI agents capable of simulating the control of a virtual UK airspace.

Safety First: Building Trustworthy AI for Air Traffic Management

The safety of passengers is vital in aviation and Project Bluebird understands this critical aspect and employs a rigorous approach to ensure the safe and trustworthy integration of AI into air traffic control. The key main focus areas of the Project include:

1. Digital Twin Technology: Project Bluebird centers around the use of digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical objects, processes, or systems. In this case, the Project involves creating a digital replica of UK airspace using real-world flight data provided by National Air Traffic Services Holdings Limited (NATS), the institution responsible for air traffic control in UK airspace. This “digital twin” is continuously updated, allowing researchers to develop and test AI agents in safe, virtual environments. It accurately mirrors real-world complexities such as weather changes, aircraft performance variations, and unexpected events. This digital twin enables thousands of realistic simulations to be conducted in a fraction of the required time, providing valuable insights into airspace efficiency.
2. Machine Learning for Optimized Decision-Making: Machine learning algorithms are being developed to equip AI agents with the ability to monitor and plan the movement of multiple aircrafts simultaneously. These algorithms prioritize safety while minimizing fuel consumption, leading to a more efficient airspace.
3. Human Expertise at the Core: Project Bluebird actively involves air traffic controllers in the development process. Air traffic control officers provide valuable insights into their decision-making processes, which are then incorporated into the training of AI agents. Furthermore, human air traffic controllers in training can benefit from using realistic traffic simulations on the digital twin, both with and without AI agents.

Looking Ahead

Project Bluebird represents a significant leap forward, but are we ready for takeoff?

While AI promises remarkable advancements, we must ponder its limitations and the potential risks of over-reliance.  As we fly over these uncharted territories, rigorous testing, comprehensive human oversight, and a balanced approach will be crucial to harnessing AI’s potential while mitigating its downsides. The journey of integrating AI into air traffic management is not just about technology—it’s about shaping the future of aviation safely and responsibly.

Will our lives be in the hands of an AI in the future? Time will tell.

Victor Lopez Juarez is a technology-law enthusiast currently enrolled in the European Master in Law, Data, and Artificial Intelligence (EMILDAI) program. He focuses on Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection.