The HAPS Alliance has unveiled a bold vision for the future of aviation in higher airspace with the release of a new white paper: “Cooperative, Seamless, and Global Digital Skies for Higher Airspace.” Authored by the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group (AWG), the white paper outlines a global framework for safely and efficiently managing highly automated aerial system operations in higher airspace and across international borders.
To be presented at Airspace World 2025 during the session “Cooperative Traffic Management Across Borders – A Global Paradigm for Higher Airspace Operations,” the paper lays out a strategic plan for international collaboration. The session, held on May 13, 2025, will feature insights from HAPS Alliance members Andy Thurling representing SoftBank and Leonard Bouygues representing Sceye.
“Our goal is clear: to foster a globally consistent, interoperable, and secure environment for Higher Airspace operations, enabling seamless, cross-border automated aviation while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and flexibility,” said Andy Thurling, Chair of the Aviation Working Group. “Thank you to everyone in the AWG who contributed to this paper, especially Leo Bouygues.”
Why This Matters
As aviation rapidly evolves with the ascent of high-altitude platforms, autonomous vehicles, and advanced aerial technologies, managing traffic above traditional controlled airspace requires new thinking. The white paper introduces Higher Airspace Operations Traffic Management (HAO-TM)—a concept designed to harmonize global efforts and enable cooperative oversight in this emerging airspace domain.
It encourages a shared international approach that protects national sovereignty and security, while supporting innovation, scalability, and equitable access to the skies.
The Framework Is Built on Four Core Principles:
- Global Cross-Border Cooperative Deconfliction
Establishing “Cooperative Zones” where operators share responsibility for safe, standardized flight operations across national borders using automated systems. - Globally Harmonized Cooperative Zones
Defining flexible 4D airspace volumes that allow both automated and traditional air traffic control (ATC) systems to coexist. - Flexible, Automated Approval Concepts
Streamlining airspace approvals through scalable, dynamic processes that reduce administrative overhead. - Standardized, Federated Digital Infrastructure
Developing a decentralized, secure, and interoperable system for registration and data sharing within Cooperative Zones.
Key Objectives of the White Paper:
- Promote international harmonization while respecting national sovereignty and defense priorities.
- Enable safe coexistence of automated systems and traditional ATC frameworks.
- Support scalable, cost-effective deployment—especially in resource-constrained regions.
- Contribute to the harmonization of FAA and Eurocontrol initiatives like ETM and ECHO, aligning concepts such as “Cooperative Areas” and “4D Zones.”
- Address critical issues like security, privacy, and resiliency in a digital aviation ecosystem.
Shaping the Future of High-Altitude Aviation
The release of this white paper marks a major milestone in global efforts to define a cooperative, interoperable system for managing higher airspace. It sets the stage for broader discussions among governments, industry stakeholders, and new entrants, and aims to build the foundational architecture for a truly global digital sky.
Download the white paper and join the HAPS Alliance in creating a connected, collaborative, and secure future for high-altitude aviation.