A method and system of operating an aircraft system are provided. The aircraft system includes an integrated aircraft flight control system that includes an engine control system configured to generate engine performance and health information. The integrated aircraft flight control system also includes a flight control system configured to generate flight information and trajectory intent information. The integrated aircraft flight control system further includes a communications channel communicatively coupled between the engine control system and the flight control system, where the engine control system is configured to transmit the generated engine performance and health information to the flight control system using the communications channel and the flight control system is configured to transmit the generated flight information and trajectory intent information to the engine control system using the communications channel.