Javier García-Heras

My research has mainly been in the paradigm of the 4D trajectories management for the future Air Traffic Management (ATM). In 2014, I defended my PhD, where my research focused on using geometric altimetry to support optimal trajectories ( access PhD thesis here). During those PhD years, I was a Teaching Assistant (Profesor Ayudante, equivalent rank in Spanish) and an active member of the Air Navigation research group in the E.T.S.I. Aeronáutica y del Espacio (previously called E.T.S.I. Aeronáuticos) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). At the MSc level, I taught Air Navigation and Air Navigation Systems. I taught Positioning, guidance and control, Air traffic control and management, Embedded and terrestrial control systems, and Computer systems management at the BSc level.

In September 2014, I moved to The Netherlands, where I joined Lockheed Martin Commercial Flight Training (LMCFT) (a company that CAE acquired). For the Boeing simulators, I was designing, developing and integrating air navigation systems. Also, I was using the Air Navigation database to create the airspace region identification module. In 2016, I returned to Spain and picked up research activities joining CRIDA A.I.E.(Reference Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Air Traffic Management –ATM-) as an ATM R&D Engineer. Therein, I was involved in several SESAR research projects, including validation exercises in COPTRA project, which dealt with aerial network uncertainty propagation, and some internal projects to aeronautical traffic databases. During this period, I started co-supervising a thesis (Manuel Villegas; 2016-2019) which focused on Enhancing Operation Efficiency of Terminal manoeuvring Areas Through Continuous Climb.

My affiliation with the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) began in February 2017 as a postdoctoral researcher. In February 2025, I was appointed Associate Professor, cementing my role within the Aerospace Engineering Group. Since joining the university, I have been teaching courses at the MSc level—specifically Elements of Critical Software and Aerospace Autonomous Systems, Air Navigation Systems, and Air Transport. At the BSc level, I teach Onboard System Design (current coordinator), Aerial Navigation, Air Transport, and Airports. I am a member of the research Aircraft Operations Lab group.

Currently, I lead a research line focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Aviation. My recent work integrates Deep Learning (CNNs, LSTMs) to solve critical challenges in Air Traffic Management and Environmental Mitigation. This includes developing robust models for contrail detection and predicting severe weather impacts on air traffic flow. My research aims to enhance the predictability and eco-efficiency of flight trajectories, validated through high-impact publications in journals. I am currently co-supervising several PhD students on this topic. I have established a strong track record of high-impact publications in top-tier JCR-indexed journals and international conferences. Additionally, I maintain continuous participation in competitive research frameworks (such as Horizon Europe and SESAR) and manage a broad portfolio of industrial contracts with partners like Boeing and Airbus. I am also a Co-founder of the UC3M spin-off AI-METHODS, dedicated to applying AI to improve meteorological information for aviation.

I am a member of INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering) and RSEF (Real Sociedad Española de Física).

Outside of the academic and professional sphere, I find balance through an active lifestyle, with a particular dedication to football and running. I am also deeply devoted to my family and animals, finding my greatest joy in shared walks with our dogs.

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