Airways International’s AirShare system has been selected by NATS Enroute to provide the core technology for its upcoming OpenAir uncrewed traffic management (UTM) trial. AirShare will deliver the Common Information Service (CIS) function for the OpenAir trial, serving as the central hub that integrates data to support the demonstration of how OpenAir services could enable the safe and efficient integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft in controlled airspace.
The NATS OpenAir trial aims to validate the digital data infrastructure and initial services required for a fully integrated airspace across the United Kingdom, simulating complex workflows enabled by AirShare’s Airspace Manager and Pilot applications and multiple UTM service providers.
Airways International’s General Manager Commercial James Evans says NERL’s selection of AirShare for this trial demonstrates the value of Airways’ ANSP-built solution and reflects their deep understanding of ANSP needs. “We are pleased to collaborate with NERL on this significant project,” James says. “Our UTM solutions are shaped by our own operational experience managing airspace, which allows us to understand the unique challenges and safety culture of the UTM industry. We look forward to working with NERL to collaborate and share insights.”
The trial objectives closely align with AirShare’s vision to enable “shared skies” by safely and efficiently integrating uncrewed traffic into all types of airspace. As the core CIS provider for the trial, AirShare will integrate with other UTM service providers and ANSP systems, simulating a competitive ecosystem that improves situational awareness for all airspace users.
Mark Watson, NATS’ Manager UTM Strategy & Service Integration, says: “We are excited to work with the Airways International team in this trial to demonstrate how OpenAir will function as a vital enabler of safe and efficient BVLOS flights in integrated airspace. We look forward to incorporating the results into our design and development during 2026.”
The AirShare solution will be delivered as a cloud-based platform hosted in the UK, ensuring high availability and secure data management throughout the trial. This project follows a series of successful AirShare deployments and trials in New Zealand, where the system has been supporting safe airspace integration since 2014.
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