Hong Kong International Airport commences live operation of its datalink-enabled Flight Data Management (FDM) system using FREQUENTIS smartStrips®

This successful project is part of a contract awarded to Frequentis to upgrade tower operations at HKIA. The project involved the installation of the company’s smartStrips Flight Data Management solution (based on electronic flight strips) and its smartTools information display and airfield management solution.

The project was carried out in close cooperation between Frequentis and the Civil Aviation Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The two parties have jointly mapped the complete tower operations to smartStrips, designed the system functions and formulated the operational workflows. This has led to significant improvements in silent collaboration among the operator positions in the tower. Frequentis is the prime contractor with responsibility for the overall project.

Departure Clearance Service with standardised DCL via datalink services

Another major achievement, in this context, has been the implementation of a departure clearance service using standardised Departure Clearance (DCL) via datalink services. This service is fully integrated into the Flight Data Management system and greatly reduces the risk of error and the workload of the controllers when issuing verbal departure clearances using radio communications.

We anticipate that future air traffic management systems will rely more and more on the use of datalink services. Frequentis has the expertise to implement this capability by combining innovative interaction design with proven technology in a way that is efficient and safe for the controllers’ use. Frequentis is currently putting a Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service (D-ATIS) datalink service into operation and working on the implementation of Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) services, as mandated by the European Commission.

Frequentis smartStrips

Leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) around the world already put their trust in the Frequentis smartStrips solution because it significantly enhances safety and efficiency in the management of flight data throughout the flight life-cycle. It is suitable for use by civil ANSPs as well as military air traffic control units. Frequentis smartStrips is the most scalable and the most widely deployed electronic Flight Data Management solution in the world with installations ranging from single position apron control to the largest towers and en-route centres.

Frequentis smartStrips® complies with the relevant international standards and recommended practices and connects to a wide range of flight data processing and automation systems. It features a flight object server based on EUROCAE ED-133, interfaces with standardised AFTN connections, ensures software safety assurance according to RTCA DO-278B / EUROCAE ED-109 and complies with ICAO FPL 2012.