Virgin America and Alaska Airlines will soon use a Traffic Aware Planner (TAP) application to make traffic aware strategic aircrew requests (TASAR). The airlines will implement the capability over the next few years. The app was developed by the U.S. space agency NASA.

The TAP connects to the aircraft avionics information hub and read current position, altitude, flight route and other real-time information. The system uses the data to search for route and altitude changes that could save fuel and/or flight time, and displays the options to the crew.

The application also connects with the plane’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receiver to scan ADS-B signals of nearby air traffic to avoid potential conflicts in proposed flight path changes. This is expected to make it easier for air traffic controllers to approve a pilot's route change request.

For airlines with Internet connectivity in the cockpit, TAP can access information such as real-time weather conditions, wind forecast updates and restricted airspace status, further increasing flight efficiency.

Flight tests have taken place using the TASAR software. Pilots have also provided feedback on the technology in a simulation at the University of Iowa Operator Performance Laboratory. In addition, aerospace systems manufacturer Rockwell Collins analyzed TASAR to evaluate its safety and determine that it is certifiable by the Federal Aviation Administration.