Ineco develops the operational concepts and artificial intelligence models for the project
The ORCI project, in which Ineco is a consortium partner, has won the Exploratory Research category at the Digital European Sky Awards 2026. Presented during the SESAR Joint Undertaking Annual Conference, the awards recognise the most outstanding contributions of research and innovation to the transformation of European air traffic management.
The award highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to support air traffic controllers in managing arrivals at highly congested airports. ORCI is developing a tool that helps organise arrival sequences and predict aircraft separation during the approach phase. Its objective is to facilitate decision-making and reduce controller workload, thereby contributing to greater operational capacity and efficiency.
Ineco is responsible for developing the operational concepts and artificial intelligence models, as well as leading communication and exploitation activities. The consortium also includes ISA Software, the project coordinator, together with air navigation service providers ENAIRE and NAV Portugal.
The company was also represented among the finalists through U-ELCOME, shortlisted in the Demonstration Projects and People’s Choice Award categories. This initiative supports the deployment of U-space services to advance the safe and efficient integration of drones into European airspace. Through demonstrations in real operational environments, U-ELCOME enables the testing of services and applications in areas such as the transport of medical supplies and goods, infrastructure inspection and aerial operations. Ineco has led the planning and evaluation of results within this international consortium, which is helping to drive the development of these operations and new business models.
The Digital European Sky Awards cover the various stages of SESAR innovation, from exploratory and industrial research to large-scale demonstrations. This year’s edition featured nine finalist projects, selected by a jury comprising representatives from the aviation and research communities.
The award for ORCI and U-ELCOME’s place among the finalists underscore Ineco’s expertise in air navigation and its contribution to a safer, more efficient and increasingly digital aviation sector.
