Abstract: A method of controlling the airflow into a compression ignition engine having an EGR and a VGT is disclosed. The control strategy includes the steps of determining the engine speed and fueling rate and, retrieving desired values for the intake manifold pressure (P.sub.1 *) and compressor mass flow rate (W.sub.a *) as a function of the engine speed and fueling rate wherein the desired values P.sub.1 * and W.sub.a * correspond to desired values for the air-fuel ratio and burnt gas fraction at each engine operating point. The desired values are then compared against measured values for the intake pressure (P.sub.1) and mass airflow (W.sub.a) to generate an EGR valve position command and VGT guide vane position command as a function of the weighted sum of the differences between P.sub.1 and P.sub.1 *, and W.sub.a and W.sub.a *. These position commands are then applied to the EGR valve and turbocharger turbine guide vanes, respectively, to drive the EGR valve and VGT vanes to the respective desired positions.