While airlines can directly quantify carbon emissions based on flight-specific fuel burn data, such data, along with data on other gaseous emissions that do not scale linearly with fuel consumption, are often unavailable to external stakeholders, necessitating the reliance on estimation models. Emissions are thus approximated from known quantities, with most usually from the fuel burned and distance travelled. Emission approximators developed for the aviation industry thus involve some degree of approximation and assumptions, as well as different exogenous and endogenous factors. As a result, such solutions differ primarily due to the significant methodological variations they incorporate. This paper assesses carbon emission approximators developed to valorize emissions generated by flight operations. It reveals the significance and sources of the misestimation of emissions by focusing on the ICAO Carbon Emission Calculator (ICEC), ICAO CORSIA CO₂ Estimation and Reporting Tool (CERT) and EUROCONTROL’ Advanced Emission Model (AEM) and Small Emitters Tool (SET). Thereby, the main research findings indicate considerable estimation uncertainty among the reviewed solutions, ranging from 1.77% to 27.95% on average compared to the baseline, which translates to statistical confidence levels ranging from 15% to 77.50% on average with respect to a 95% confidence threshold.

The safety and cost-efficiency of flight operations depend on the accuracy of meteorological reports. Even though that refers to all phases of flight operations, it is particularly important for the most critical flight phases: take-off and landing. This paper presents the benefits and limitations of scaling up sampling and updating the frequency of meteorological data for the aviation industry. In the example of John F. Kennedy International Airport, the effects of applying different timescales to report meteorological conditions are unequivocally demonstrated. As such, the paper presents findings that explain the need for scaling up sampling and reporting of meteorological data concerning the safety and cost-efficiency of flight operations, denoted in terms of information reliability.

Popularized by the Single European Sky (SES) Performance Scheme, Horizontal Flight Efficiency (HFE) has emerged as a significant area of research within Air Traffic Management (ATM). Horizontal flight inefficiencies affect Airspace Users (AOs) through increased fuel consumption, slot adherence challenges, and higher operating costs, while impacting Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) by increasing the workload of Air Traffic Controller Officers (ATCOs), limiting sector capacity, and exacerbating emissions and noise in terminal areas. This paper aims to consolidate current knowledge on horizontal flight (in)efficiency, exploring its benefits, challenges, and implementation considerations within the context of ATM systems. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Relevant studies were identified through structured searches using predefined criteria. The review highlights significant progress in enhancing HFE through initiatives such as trajectory optimization. However, challenges persist, including variability in standardized metrics, implementation, limitations in coordination among stakeholders, and trade-offs between efficiency and airspace capacity. Achieving sustainable and cost-efficient aviation operations relies on prioritizing HFE. While significant strides have been made, addressing challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder collaboration. This review provides a foundation for future research, emphasizing the importance of harmonized implementation and optimization strategies to bridge the gap between policy and practice.

The increasing demand for continuous and reliable air traffic surveillance over remote and oceanic regions has prompted the exploration of innovative solutions beyond traditional radar and satellite-based systems. In this context, High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPSs) have emerged as a promising technology capable of extending surveillance and communication coverage within the stratosphere at significantly lower cost and greater operational flexibility. This paper presents the results of Research and Development (R&D) efforts focused on the conceptualization and development of a HAPS prototype serving as a proof of concept to enhance Air Traffic Management (ATM) surveillance capabilities. The study quantitatively examines the HAPS operational environment by classifying and evaluating the geometric, physical, environmental, thermal and atmospheric factors influencing prototype performance. The developed prototype establishes a scalable foundation for future multi-platform HAPS networks, and forthcoming research will focus on experimental validation under real-world conditions and performance optimization to enable integration into next-generation ATM systems.