IATA and Airbus ProSky Continue Advancement of AFTM in Asia-Pacific

In another step towards regional collaboration in air traffic flow management (ATFM), IATA has engaged Airbus ProSky to help educate Asia-Pacific stakeholders on cross-border ATFM implementation. The efforts to increase collaboration come at a time when air traffic in the region is expected to increase by 5.7 percent annually over the next ten years, with more than 50 percent of new routes connecting to the region, according to Airbus’ forecast.

The year-long project will involve a series of workshops throughout the region targeting Air Navigation Service Providers. The primary objective is to develop a common understanding of cross-border ATFM implementation issues and timelines in the Region. The project output will be a robust implementation plan for cross-border ATFM in the region, which will guide stakeholders along the same path resulting in an integrated and seamless approach to ATFM.

“This stage of the project complements the excellent work by many organizations and States throughout Asia-Pacific to progress ATFM within the region, and will ultimately provide a global model for the implementation of cross-border ATFM within a seamless airspace block” stated Blair Cowles, IATA’s Regional Director, Safety and Flight Operations, Asia Pacific.

The project is a follow up to the Airbus ProSky regional study of ATFM that was conducted in 2014. That study assessed the current state of ATFM throughout the region and outlined recommendations for regional multi-nodal (cross-border) ATFM integration. The workshops are an opportunity to work with stakeholders, focusing on implementation of the study’s recommendations.

Peter Cabooter, Vice President, Customer Affairs for Airbus ProSky, stated, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with IATA and the Asia Pacific stakeholders. Enhanced regional collaboration will result in not only efficiency benefits, but also enhanced capacity at a time when the region continues to see tremendous growth. We are confident that our ATFM expertise will assist the region as it prepares to handle tomorrow’s capacity demands.”