If you follow me on
LinkedIn, you've likely seen my
recent post about how not every piece of news is breaking, not everything is amazing, and not everything is game-changing. Don't worry, I won't continue on this subject. Rather, I want to highlight a piece of news that our Market Radar captured last week, which could indeed be game-changing.
Aireon and a handful of ANSPs have started working on a concept of operations, standards, and business case for a
space-based Very High Frequency (VHF) communication service.
Making VHF communications available to pilots and controllers also over oceanic airspace would facilitate traffic management. It would also largely improve capacity compared to the current Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) in operation, which was already an improvement over High Frequency (HF) communications. But somehow, it remains slow and for non-urgent clearances only.
It is not clear at this stage if this will happen but some arguments in favor of success are definitely present:
- Space based VHF would not need an equipment change onboard the aircraft, making it super cost-effective for airlines and other users.
- Aireon has already succeeded in implementing a space-based ANSP quality surveillance service using ADS-B receivers on satellites. Not only does it have a certification, but it also has experience in this kind of operation.
- Multiple ANPSs with large oceanic airspace are on board as well: NAV CANADA, NATS, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, and Naviair.
There are also other possible use cases, like using such a system as an extra layer of redundancy or possibly instead of one of the many layers existing today. Also, for getting radio coverage in non-oceanic, remote areas like the Amazon Rainforest or in deep valleys of mountainous areas.
Given the infrastructure involved and many regulatory aspects, it will certainly take time, but this definitely is an effort we'll keep our eyes on!
The FoxATM team will be at Airspace World next week. If you'd like to meet, just reply to this email to let us know. We still have a few open slots in our agendas.
Vincent
Market news
- Airports Corporation of Vietnam has awarded To70 a contract for Airport-CDM implementation in Vietnam - To70 has been awarded a contract to implement Airport CDM at Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat and Hanoi Noi Bai International Airports.The scope of work included development of GAP Analyses, Cost Benefit Analyses, establishing a Performance Monitoring Organisation, Training, Concept of Operations, Implementation, Test Management and Validation, Trial & Live operation preparation.
- Michigan Department of Transportation receives latest generation automated weather observing systems from ADB SAFEGATE - New systems offer FAA compliance and future-forward technology. ADB SAFEGATE was awarded a $3.7 million contract to replace the 42 Non-Federal Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
- NOTAM portal by R-SYS helps LVNL to streamline NOTAM creation - Managing NOTAM requests from various airports and originators can be challenging, often resulting in difficulties tracking proposals and ensuring their accuracy before publication. To address this, R-SYS has developed the NOTAM Portal system, streamlining the entire process from proposal creation to publishing on the EAD.
- ACAMS Airport Tower Solutions provides i6 ATIS for Italian Air Force - ACAMS announced a contract for the delivery of a new i6 ATIS in Sardinia island. The ACAMS i6 ATIS system is put into operation at Decimomannu Air Base, that hosts the International Flight Training School, and is likely to become an airbase for the Italian Air Force F-35 fighter jets. ACAMS i6 ATIS will provide the actual present weather situation, the state of the runway, as well as other pertinent information.
Context information
- Schools Nationwide Receive $13.5 Million in FAA Grants to Develop the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals - Thirty-two schools will receive $13.5 million in grants from the FAA to help attract and train students for careers as pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. The schools can use the funding to create and deliver curriculums designed to prepare high school students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or drone operators. Grants may also be used to support the professional development of teachers.
- EASA publishes Artificial Intelligence Concept Paper Issue 02 ‘Guidance for Level 1 & 2 machine learning applications’ - In a significant next step on its Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, EASA has published Issue 2 of its Concept Paper on AI and Machine Learning. This second issue offers the potential to enhance four aviation pillars – safety, efficiency, sustainability, and passenger experience – and positions ML at the forefront of aviation innovation. At the same time, the path to ML deployment is bringing unique challenges, particularly in safeguarding operational safety.
- Mind the gap: why gender equality in air traffic management matters - SESAR JU - To mark International Women’s Day, the SESAR Joint Undertaking looks at gender diversity in aviation, the unique perspective women bring to the air traffic management arena, and what can be done to bridge the gender gap.
- UK CAA publishes strategy document, sets out more agile regulatory policy - Unmanned airspace - The CAA has published a new strategy setting out how it will achieve its new mission: “Protecting people, enabling aerospace”. The strategy will underpin the organisation’s vision to enable a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation and aerospace sector while protecting consumers and the public.
- CANSO launches new Membership category for Academia and Research organisations - This strategic move aims to foster collaboration between Air Navigation Service Providers and academia and research institutions. By joining CANSO, not-for-profit institutions dedicated to advancing air traffic management will have a platform to engage with industry stakeholders and contribute to impactful research initiatives.
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