At Madrid’s World ATM Congress on 10 March 2015, iTEC (interoperability Through European Collaboration) executive members signed a formal agreement, which extended the technical confines of the collaboration, and committed members to conditions for developing the common iTEC controller working position (CWP).

iTEC brings together the air navigation service providers of Spain (ENAIRE), Germany (DFS), the UK (NATS) and the Netherlands (LVNL), alongside systems provider Indra. It was initially established in order to develop a next-generation flight data processing (iTEC-FDP) system, and to explore collaboration on a CWP.

The extension of the existing collaboration recognises the success in developing the FDP system together, and more recently agreeing the common specifications for the CWP, while maintaining interoperability with other European air traffic management systems.

The goal of the collaboration is to develop a high-end air traffic management system for busy and complex airspace that meets the SESAR requirements, and enables significant steps forward in productivity. iTEC’s achievements provide a platform for synergies and thus cost reductions, helping to realise the vision of Single European Sky (SES) with greater efficiencies and service standards for Europe’s airspace users.

SES Unit-DG Move of the European Commission head Maurizio Casteletti and SJU Strategies and External Relations chief Michael Standar addressed the audience at the event, commending the collaboration on the progress so far and recognising the contribution iTEC will make to the future development of European airspace.

iTEC chairman Ignacio González said: "Working together through collaborative ventures such as the iTEC controller working position, which will integrate the most advanced features of SESAR developments, is the most effective way to deliver ANSP efficiencies and enhancements for the benefit of everyone within the aviation community, including passengers."