NATS-led GAIN initiative gains momentum

Image courtesy NATS

Made up of a coalition of leading ANSPs, the initiative centres around the development of the GAIN tool, the first globally collaborative data and analytics application designed specifically for ANSPs to measure airspace efficiency in a standardised way.

GAIN is designed to enable ANSPs around the world to benchmark performance, share insights, and drive more sustainable airspace management. In Europe alone, routing inefficiencies are thought to cause roughly 5-11% additional fuel burn per flight, translating to tens of millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually. By leveraging cutting-edge analytics and complex algorithms, GAIN equips ANSPs with the tools to identify airspace hotspots, set actionable targets and benchmark performance.

NATS, alongside CAAM, skeyes and AZANS, officially launched GAIN as a not-for-profit initiative in May this year and with ATNS now joining the collaboration, over 10% of the world’s air traffic falls under the jurisdiction of the Founding Members. Together they have the potential to achieve annual savings of at least 450,000 tonnes of CO2 through airspace and aircraft routing improvements.

On joining GAIN, the acting CEO of ATNS, Mr Matome Moholola said: “I believe that collaborative programmes such as the GAIN initiative will assist the industry in understanding their contribution and defining measures in improving operational efficiency and reducing aircraft emissions to meet the global target of Net-Zero by 2050.”

Rachel Gardner-Poole OBE, GAIN Steering Group Chair & NATS Sustainable Aviation Consultant, added: “I’m thrilled to welcome ATNS as a GAIN Founding Member. Their passion, expertise and commitment will benefit the entire membership and help widen our global coverage. Tackling climate change requires collaboration across industries and across borders, that’s why ANSPs like ATNS and the other founding members can play a leading role and why I believe GAIN is such a vital initiative on our journey to Net Zero.” 

The GAIN dashboard, designed through a user-centred process, delivers tailored insights making it a powerful tool for driving targeted performance improvements.

NATS is inviting other ANSPs to join the growing GAIN community, including a zero cost, limited time opportunity from September to have early visibility of the GAIN tool ahead of its full launch in 2026.

Those that join will be able to help shape future features and connect with a global community of like-minded professionals through regular virtual sessions, insights and an annual in-person summit, all focused on driving sustainability in aviation. 

To learn more about GAIN and how organisations can get involved visit nats.aero/environment/gain