FREQUENTIS and DFS lead Europe’s first-ever rollout of scalable, resilient ATM service model

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), the German air navigation service provider, is taking a strategic leap forward in air traffic management (ATM) by transforming PHOENIX-CC – their inhouse developed platform currently serving as a backup solution at the Munich Area Control Center – into the next-generation PHOENIX nG platform. Designed as a high-capacity backup system, PHOENIX nG will strengthen DFS’s operational resilience while marking the start of a broader modernisation of its Area Control Centre ATS (air traffic service) systems. 

This strategic effort between DFS and Frequentis marks a milestone in the modernisation of European ATM. It represents the first operational implementation aligned with the new service delivery model (SDM) defined in the ATM Master Plan 2025*, Europe’s strategic roadmap for future-ready, harmonised air traffic management. 

The PHOENIX nG platform will use advanced flight data processing services (FDPS) from Frequentis’ PRISMA ATM automation portfolio. These services, built on a service-oriented architecture and deployed with service orchestration software in DFS’s data center, will enable seamless integration with other DFS frontend and backend systems through the SDM, supporting interoperable, scalable, and future-ready operations. 

“With PHOENIX nG, we are proud to be the first to implement a major Area Control Centre ATS system that fully aligns with the new service delivery model as defined in the European ATM Master Plan,” says Friedrich-Wilhem Menge, CTO at DFS. “Integrating Frequentis’ flight data processing services not only advances our joint technological capabilities but also sets a benchmark for resilience and future-focused air traffic management.” 

“Contributing our PRISMA FDPS to this landmark project demonstrates the maturity and interoperability of our service-based solutions,” adds Josef Kutschi, Managing Director at Frequentis Comsoft. “Our collaboration with DFS underscores our shared commitment to driving the pan-European ATM transformation envisioned in the ATM Master Plan.” 

The award of this project to Frequentis followed a competitive tender process, confirming its selection as the partner for DFS’s next-generation high-capacity backup Area Control Centre ATS system. DFS and Frequentis will also work closely with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) to complete the necessary steps for the foreseen certification in the context of DPO (Design or Production Organisation), ensuring that PHOENIX nG meets all regulatory and safety requirements for high-capacity operational use. 

Source: Frequentis