SafeRoute+ ADS-B NextGen Surveillance System

SafeRoute+ from ACSS is the only ADS-B In retrofit solution for airlines, providing 180-nautical-mile traffic situational awareness that delivers proven fuel savings and operational efficiency gains as well as elevating safety.

Acron Aviation's SafeRoute+ shown in a cockpit
Apex Logo

Why SafeRoute+

Commercial aviation operators face unprecedented pressure from rising fuel costs, environmental regulations, and operational efficiency demands. Airlines need solutions that deliver immediate, measurable cost savings while enhancing safety.

SafeRoute+ addresses these critical challenges by providing real-time traffic situational awareness that enables optimized spacing, reduced fuel burn, and improved route efficiency through advanced ADS-B In surveillance technology.

In recent FAA evaluations with American Airlines' A321 fleet at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Albuquerque Center (ZAB) airspace, SafeRoute+ operations demonstrated significant operational benefits including stabilized spacing, increased runway throughput, reduced overtakes, fewer go-arounds, and measurable reductions in fuel burn and emissions.

This real-world validation shows how advanced surveillance technology translates directly into bottom-line operational improvements, with airlines reporting substantial fuel savings, safety and improved on-time performance.

What this means for you

  • Fuel cost reduction: Proven fuel savings through optimized spacing and reduced delay vectoring (fewer air traffic control heading changes)
  • Operational efficiency: Reduced spacing variation improves airspace capacity, enabling higher runway throughput (increased landings and takeoffs) while reducing missed approaches
  • Predictable operations: Better block-time predictability (time it takes an aircraft to travel from gate to gate) and reduced susceptibility to Ground Delay Programs (GDP)
  • Enhanced safety: Advanced traffic situational awareness (AIRB) and Surface Alerting (SURF-A) capabilities
  • Integration advantage: Software upgrade to existing T³CAS® or TCAS 3000SP™ computers. Uses existing Multi-function Control and Display Unit (MCDU), Nav Displays, and additional, low-cost ADS-B in Guidance Display (AGD).

Regulatory compliance

SafeRoute+ isn’t just conceptually compliant - it’s fully certified, operationally proven, and aligned with modern airspace modernization efforts.

  • Certifications: FAA certified for commercial airline operations
  • Standards: Meets NextGen ADS-B In surveillance requirements and RTCA standards
  • International: Compliant with global ADS-B standards and ICAO regulations

Fleet compatibility

Compatible with existing T³CAS® and TCAS 3000SP™ systems across commercial airline fleets. Integrates seamlessly with multi-function control and display units and navigation displays.

Key capabilities

1. Advanced traffic situational awareness and fuel efficiency

180 nautical mile surveillance with proven cost savings: SafeRoute+ provides pilots with comprehensive traffic situational awareness extending up to 180 nautical miles through advanced ADS-B In technology. This extended surveillance range enables proactive traffic management and route optimization that delivers measurable fuel savings. Real-world operational data from American Airlines' A321 fleet at Dallas-Fort Worth demonstrates SafeRoute+'s ability to stabilize aircraft spacing, reduce unnecessary route deviations, and minimize fuel consumption. The system reduces spacing buffers while maintaining safety margins, enabling more direct routing and fewer delay vectors that translate directly into reduced operating costs.

2. Enhanced runway throughput and schedule reliability

Maximizing airport capacity and on-time performance: SafeRoute+ enables higher runway utilization rates by providing pilots and controllers with precise traffic spacing information that reduces spacing variation and minimizes go-arounds. The system improves approach sequencing through CDTI Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS) and enhances overall flight predictability through better traffic management capabilities. Airlines experience measurable improvements in on-time performance, reduced missed approaches, and more efficient use of existing runway capacity without compromising safety margins.

3. Seamless integration

Retrofit-friendly software upgrade: Designed specifically for airline retrofit applications, SafeRoute+ integrates with existing T³CAS® or TCAS 3000SP™ computers through software upgrades, eliminating extensive hardware modifications. The system utilizes existing multi-function control and display units and navigation displays, minimizing installation complexity and reducing aircraft downtime during upgrades. ADS-B traffic information can be presented on a low-cost ADS-B Guidance Display, avoiding the need for costly primary display upgrades. This plug-and-play approach provides immediate operational benefits without the cost and complexity of new equipment installations.

For operators with mixed fleets requiring comprehensive avionics solutions beyond surveillance systems, Acron Aviation offers a complete portfolio of flight recording, cockpit systems, and other avionics products designed for seamless integration across aircraft types.

Compatible systems:

  • Existing T³CAS® and TCAS 3000SP™ installations
  • Standard multi-function control and display units
  • Navigation displays with ADS-B graphical capability
  • Optional ADS-B Guidance Display (AGD) for enhanced applications

4. Multiple application options

Flight phase-specific operational tools: SafeRoute+ offers four specialized applications that can be selected based on specific operational needs and flight phases. Enhanced Airborne Traffic Situational Awareness (AIRB) provides comprehensive traffic situational awareness, while Interval Management (IM) optimizes en route airspace operations. CDTI Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS) improves terminal area efficiency, and In-Trail Procedures (ITP) support oceanic and remote area operations where radar coverage is limited.

For operators seeking comprehensive surveillance solutions, explore our complete range of ADS-B and surveillance systems designed for different aircraft types and operational requirements.

5. Surface safety enhancement

SURF-A ground collision avoidance: The recently certified Surface Alerting (SURF-A) application adds critical runway and taxiway safety capabilities to the SafeRoute+ system. This feature provides pilots with enhanced ground traffic awareness and collision avoidance alerts during surface operations, addressing one of aviation's most significant safety challenges. SURF-A integration strengthens the overall safety case for SafeRoute+ retrofit installations while providing additional operational value beyond airborne surveillance benefits.

Acron Aviation's SafeRoute+ SURF graphic

SafeRoute+ applications

SafeRoute+ provides four specialized applications, each optimized for specific flight phases to deliver maximum operational efficiency. Operators can select the applications that best align with their route structures and operational priorities to reduce missed approaches, increase runway throughput, and optimize spacing buffers for fuel burn and emissions reduction.

Comprehensive en-route traffic management AIRB provides pilots with enhanced traffic situational awareness during all flight phases, displaying surrounding aircraft positions and trajectories up to 180 nautical miles ahead and providing an environment of shared situational awareness with air traffic controllers (ATC). This application enables more efficient route planning and spacing optimization during cruise flight, helping pilots make informed decisions about altitude changes, route deviations, and speed adjustments. AIRB significantly improves pilot awareness of traffic conflicts before they develop into operational constraints.
Reducing en route spacing variation to increase capacity: During the en route phase of a flight, the IM application enables aircraft to maintain more consistent and accurate inter-aircraft spacing. More accurate spacing at a delivery point (or a crossing point when merging two traffic streams) results in reduced controller vectoring, allowing flights to remain on their planned routes more frequently. This ultimately enables better block time predictability and helps maximize airspace capacity. This application directly improves airspace capacity, reducing impacts of weather events and non-standard operations.
Terminal area efficiency enhancement: CAVS enables pilots to maintain visual separation from other aircraft in terminal airspace using enhanced traffic display information, reducing dependency on air traffic control for separation services. This application allows for more efficient approach operations and reduced spacing buffers in high-density terminal areas. CAVS improves airport runway utilization while maintaining safety through enhanced pilot awareness of surrounding traffic during critical flight phases. The CAVS application also supports CDTI-Assisted Separation (CAS) operations, allowing operators to maintain visual arrival rates in non-visual conditions.
Oceanic and remote area operations: ITP supports efficient operations in oceanic and remote airspace where radar coverage is limited or unavailable. This application enables pilots to request and maintain optimal altitudes and routes based on real-time traffic information, reducing fuel consumption on long-haul flights. ITP is particularly valuable for trans-oceanic operations where traditional ATC separation methods are less efficient due to communication and surveillance limitations.

Technical specifications

Operating systems and display options

  • SafeRoute+ applications can be hosted on an ACSS computer, such as the TCAS 3000SP™ or T³CAS®.

ADS-B Out transponders and next-gen operations

  • ACSS is leading aviation towards broader implementation of NextGen/SESAR capabilities by developing ADS-B avionics
  • ADS-B is the transmission of an aircraft’s position, speed and intent to other aircraft and to Air Traffic Control. ACSS Mode S Transponders are certified to DO-260B, the highest level of ADS-B Out, and are available now to meet the 2020 ADS-B mandates

Downloads

Customer support

Aircraft on ground: Immediate support

We have a global network of support centers to support customers with aircraft on the ground issues.

Technical pubs, repairs and spares

For the latest technical publications and contact details for our repairs and spares depots.

Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS)

Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) is a joint venture between Acron Aviation and Thales. ACSS designs and manufactures products for all aircraft and helicopter segments, and supports products for air transport and regional airlines, business aviation, and helicopter, general aviation, manned and unmanned military aircraft operators. ACSS produces avionics systems that increase safety, situational awareness, and efficiency for commercial and military flight operators.

Related services

Skyparts offers direct access to high quality, OEM-reliable parts and out-of-production aerospace equipment as Used Serviceable Material. We also have hundreds of global dealers selling avionics for business and general aviation platforms, as well as helicopters. Our authorized network is committed to providing the absolute best product sales support.

Make an inquiry


Fields marked with * are required.

AOG? Visit our Customer Support page.