Airbus enhances air traffic communications on single-aisle fleet

Citation

(2005), "Airbus enhances air traffic communications on single-aisle fleet", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777cab.009

Airbus enhances air traffic communications on single-aisle fleet

Airbus enhances air traffic communications on single-aisle fleet

Keywords: Airbus, Air traffic control

Airbus customers Finnair and Aeroflot have become the first Airbus single-aisle operators to benefit from the manufacturer's new air traffic control data link system.

The new system, better known as Future Air Navigation System B (FANS B), strengthens the level of communication between aircraft crew and air traffic controllers by using a new ICAO-standard radio data link. The two- way link allows both parties to exchange information regarding the navigation of the aircraft, in written form. This is in addition to the conventional verbal communications that take place via today's standard radio link. As such the new system helps to alleviate radio frequency congestion and the possibility of verbal communication errors.

Data link also helps air traffic controllers to safely handle more aircraft, which consequently impacts the overall performance of air traffic management. This can lead to a reduction in the number of air traffic delays that occur during a flight, which is especially beneficial in high density traffic areas such as Europe where many short-haul flights are operated in a small airspace.

Owing to the continued growth in air traffic, the benefits of data link services, such as FANS, are recognised by operators and air traffic control authorities alike. But the technology is only of benefit if used by both air traffic control centre and aircraft. As such, a number of regional Air Traffic Management (ATM) programmes have been developed to co-ordinate worldwide adoption of data link technology. Eurocontrol Link 2000+ is one of these. Dedicated to improved air traffic management in the airspace of Europe, Eurocontrol Link 2000+ is working with all parties in the region to develop seamless data link communication services for the benefit of all air space users.

Airbus will install FANS B on 29 Finnair aircraft including 11 A319s, 12 A320s and six A321s. It will also install it on 18 Aeroflot aircraft including eight A319s, seven A320s and three A321s. The implementation will be managed by Airbus' own upgrade services team and are part of the Eurocontrol Link 2000+ programme.