Next generation data-driven reference European models and methods towards silent and green aircraft operations around airports

2026-07-22

NEEDED responds to the second and third bullets of the “expected outcome” of the HORIZON-CL5-2022-D5-01-12 topic, delivering the next generation data-driven reference European models and methods to estimate present and future aircraft emissions (pollutants and noise), achieving TRL 4 at the end of the project. To do so, NEEDED will advance the state of the art by: • improving the accuracy of the reconstruction of aircraft operations by using real-world ADS-B data, • advancing emission inventories for current and future aircraft technologies, while delivering more accurate pollution dispersion models, • extending the applicability of the ECAC Doc 29 noise model towards future aircraft technologies, • performing more accurate estimation of the number of people affected by local air transport operations by using dynamic population maps. These activities are complemented by (i) local air quality (LAQ) and experimental noise measurements performed at Rotterdam Airport, (ii) validation of the NEEDED toolchain in a 30-week pilot study involving three airports, and (iii) delivery of a methodology to optimise the flight patterns for minimum detrimental impact on the population in present and future scenarios. The project aims to function as a technology enabler, laying the methodological groundwork for facilitating the entry into service of transformative aircraft technologies while capitalising on the potential of ADS-B data. NEEDED ensures its impact on the next generation of Air Traffic Management (ATM) regulation and policies through the direct involvement of EUROCONTROL.

Austria, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, France, Spain, Cyprus

2025-12-15