ABSTRACT
Many current air traffic control systems are functioning at or near their maximum traffic handling capacity, despite successful attempts to increase their capacity beyond what was originally planned. Although there is not complete agreement on how much air traffic there will be in the futme, every prediction foresees major increases in air traffic, which current systems retaining present practices and procedures would be unable to accommodate. Therefore, to leave the present generation of air traffic control systems unchanged is not a practical option, even with their good safety record. Future systems must be able to handle more air traffic, preferably with enhanced safety and efficiency.
