Irish aeronautical software developer Airtel ATN is to participate in a European research project which has the potential to increase Europe's air space capacity by 14 per cent and reduce delays by up to 66 per cent.

The company will provide communications software for the "More Autonomous Aircraft in the Future Air Traffic Management System" (MAAFAS) project which aims to automate airline communications in European airspace and eliminate congestion.

The three-year project aims to introduce and consolidate a new data-based communications system as growth in traffic is pushing existing voice-based systems to full capacity.