NEST

Overview

The Network Strategic Tool (NEST) is a scenario-based modelling tool for network capacity planning and airspace design developed by EUROCONTROL. It is accessible via the DDR Portal (Demand Data Repository), on request.

The tool can also be used locally by ACCs, airports and globally by other stakeholders involved in strategic planning at the network level.

The main functions discussed within the group and some key features of NEST are:

• Data Processing:
  • NEST uses datasets provided by EUROCONTROL at the end of each AIRAC cycle, describing the consolidated pan-European airspace and route network, the traffic demand and distribution as well as the EUROCONTROL traffic forecasts. Also, daily cumulated traffic with minimal environment is provided, allowing access to traffic data before the end of the AIRAC. Data originates from different sources such as PRISME, STATFOR, DDR2… All data is checked, consistent and interconnected.
  • It can handle large datasets spanning multiple years, providing detailed analysis down to 10-minute intervals. This capability is crucial for accurate and comprehensive planning.
  • Traffic data (post-ops analysis, statistics, delays), airspace data (ACC, sectors, Traffic Volumes, Configurations), RAD or LoA restrictions and data on route charges.
  • Traffic data consists of FTFM, RTFM and CTFM, also referred to as respectively m1, m2 and m3.
  • The function allows the user to visualise the RAD restrictions or LoA constraints applicable to a certain flight / flow.
• Airspace Design:
  • NEST allows to visualise the airspace for which the user wants to analyse traffic or design the airspace to simulate. The user can start from scratch or from an existing airspace adapted vertically or laterally.
  • It can also be used to create a new route structure, whether for a conventional (ATS), conditional (CDR) or free route airspace (FRA) network.
• Simulation tool:
  • NEST can generate future traffic samples using traffic growth forecasts using STATFOR and calculate 4D flight trajectories considering aircraft performance data and various constraints like route restrictions, flight level constraints and military area opening times.
  • Scenario-Based Modeling: NEST allows users to create and modify scenarios to explore various operational planning options. This flexibility helps in designing and developing airspace structures and planning capacity. Users can make changes to the original dataset or reference scenario to model an unlimited number of different operational planning options.
  • This simulation function allows the users to create their own scenarios with – for example – opening a shorter plannable routing and assign the traffic to this newly created network.
  • CAPA simulations: NEST can simulate the impact of capacity changes for a sector or collapsed sectors. It is also able to assess the CAPA impact of a change in sector configuration.
  • ENV simulations: NEST assigns the shorter route to the flight. It is then possible to compare the “baseline” and “new” trajectories graphically and via an Excel sheet that is automatically generated with detailed results, showing the difference in flying distance and time, fuel, CO₂ and NOx.
  • Cost EFF (cost effectiveness, i.e., route charges) simulations: NEST can also simulate and assign traffic on the cheapest route possible. An Excel sheet is produced which indicates financial impact per flight, per country and per flight per country.
• Optimisation: The tool includes features like configuration optimisation, assessment of route charges, regulation building and delay simulation to help manage and mitigate traffic overloads and delays.

NEST provides a suite of data visualisation features including tables, charts and fully integrated capabilities for creating 2D/3D presentations.

The tool supports environmental efforts of ANSPs in several ways:

• Efficient Airspace Design: By optimising airspace structures and traffic flows, NEST helps inform ANSPs about potential fuel savings and unnecessary emissions. Efficient routing and airspace management lead to shorter flight paths and reduced CO₂
• Capacity Planning: Proper capacity planning ensures that air traffic is managed efficiently, reducing the need for holding patterns and delays, which in turn lowers fuel burn and emissions.
• Simulation of Environmental Scenarios: NEST can simulate various environmental scenarios, allowing ANSPs to assess the impact of different operational strategies on emissions and fuel consumption. This helps in making informed decisions that balance operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.

Provider

EUROCONTROL

Versions and OS Requirements

NEST is a Windows based software. There is no need for Admin right and it can be installed easily by the user after access granted via the DDR. AIRAC data can be downloaded for every cycle directly from the tool.

Data Requirements

NEST uses datasets provided by EUROCONTROL at the end of each AIRAC cycle, describing the consolidated pan-European airspace and route network, the traffic demand and distribution as well as the EUROCONTROL traffic forecasts. Also, a daily cumulated traffic with minimal environment is provided every day, allowing to access traffic data before the end of the AIRAC.

Limitations

Nothing to communicate by the group members.

Future Developments

Nothing to communicate by the group members.

Related Use Cases

LVNL and FABEC - Curved night arrival routes

Find out more