En Route Merging and Spacing Preparation concept of operations

This paper describes a concept of operations for improving the merging and spacing operations as aircraft approach and transit into the terminal area that implements the NextGen concept for en route and arrival operations. The En route merging and spacing preparation (EMSP) concept describes the process, procedures, and technical capabilities to modify flight trajectories from multiple airlines to merge at a desired spacing over a specific metering point. EMSP links air navigation service provider (ANSP) with airline operations centers (AOCs) to jointly improve efficiency and capacity constraints. EMSP as it is outlined in this paper will be implemented in three incremental steps with increasing complexity and enhanced capabilities. EMSP is in an early stage of development and is currently under refinement by a development group that consists of members of the federal aviation administration (FAA), the MITRE corporationpsilas center for advanced aviation system development (CAASD), and the national air and space administration (NASA).