EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 12
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Human Factors
Aircraft X FL330 first on frequency assigned present heading for EWR spacing. +/- 060 heading. Aircraft Y FL350 next on frequency direct SLT still in adjacent sector 59 airspace. Aircraft Z FL320 request FL360 CYYZ departure southbound. When spacing was achieved for Aircraft X; I cleared Aircraft Y direct SLT by mistake. Thinking separation will be maintained Aircraft Z was cleared to FL340. Aircraft X did not turn. Aircraft Z was given two turns eventually a 270 heading to maintain separation from Aircraft Y. During this event I descended Aircraft Y to FL320 and assigned a 120 heading to proceed direct SLT to maintain separation from Aircraft Z intended for Aircraft X. Aircraft Y left FL350 and turned in adjacent airspace. When the error was noticed Aircraft Y left Sector 59 (FL330-unlimited) and entered 57 airspace (FL240-FL320). Aircraft Y was climbed to FL330 and turned back on course. Sector volume was 10-12 aircraft. Identify similar sounding call signs sooner.
ZOB Center Controller reported problems associated with similar call signs.