ICAO accelerates global air traffic flow reforms

 

Far fewer flights could face delays or cancellations following the global rollout of Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Recent airspace closures and severe weather events have highlighted vulnerabilities across air services. New aviation technologies are also increasing operational complexity across the sector. Against these challenges and expected traffic growth, ICAO is accelerating ATFM implementation as a comprehensive international solution. ATFM combines air navigation technologies with new procedures to improve service reliability while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Under the system, flights and factors affecting their operations are coordinated and managed across international boundaries before departure.

Airport coordination and flexible airspace

Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) forms part of the new procedures. Airlines, airports and air traffic controllers exchange real-time information through the process. The approach allows decisions about when and how flights take off or land to be made jointly. This improves flight reliability.

The “Total Airport Management” concept extends coordination across airport activities, including baggage handling, refueling and passenger movements. ATFM also seeks to increase available airspace. The gradual adoption of “free route airspace” allows pilots to select more direct and efficient paths. Rather than following pre-established routes, aircraft can use routes that better reflect operational requirements. Entire portions of controlled airspace can also be dynamically managed according to traffic needs under the ATFM “flexible use of airspace” principle.

Global implementation and capacity management

ATFM implementation is already required in many circumstances. The current focus is expanding and increasing its general use. ICAO convened stakeholders from operational areas worldwide for international discussions on the next steps for implementation. A key priority is ensuring that regions and airports can accurately measure and manage airspace and airport “capacity.”

Capacity represents the maximum number of aircraft that can be safely handled during a given period. ICAO is also renewing its focus on optimizing minimum aircraft separation distances. The measure aims to safely increase the maximum capacity of airspace.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar addressed delegates at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal. “Together, we will deliver a truly connected network for air traffic flow management, enabling every flight to operate in a predictable and efficient manner while enhancing safety and sustainability,” remarked Salazar. “By the end of this week, we should ensure we have coherent and practical plans, working side by side in coordination with our neighbours and partners.”

The talks will conclude on 9 October. Their findings will inform ICAO updates to guidance for Member States. The findings will also inform activities undertaken by ICAO to support States with implementation.

Tags: ICAO Juan Carlos Salazar