ATS AIRCOM Systems and Services

Data link and existing voice communications form the foundation for improving ATS to aircraft operators

SITA ATS AIRCOM Systems and Services enable air traffic service (ATS) providers to connect to customer aircraft for Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC).

Overview

The SITA AIRCOM Data Link network is a necessary part of the air-ground communications infrastructure needed for the Future Air Navigation System (FANS).

ATS providers have developed performance requirements for their data link applications through the organizations RTCA and EUROCAE, who issue documents used in aircraft certifications. SITA has updated its AIRCOM services to comply with these requirements and provides performance reports to AIRCOM-connected ATS providers.

SITA has played a leading role over the past 20 years in getting CPDLC adopted by the European Single Sky. The European Commission has now adopted the regulation for the coordinated introduction of data link in the European Union, and by 2015 all aircraft flying in Europe will have to be equipped with CPDLC using the ATN, and especially VDL, communications protocols provided by SITA.

Air Traffic Control Services

ATS AIRCOM Services use the airline industry standard ACARS data link service to access the thousands of aircraft already equipped with ACARS avionics
SITA is upgrading its VHF AIRCOM networks to provide the VHF Digital Link (VDL) Mode 2 service required to provide ATN Service

Air Traffic Control Systems

Data link front-end processor ADS-CPDLC Gateway can be used to transparently handle the interfaces to ACARS and ATN air-ground data link networks
ADS and CPDLC applications implement easily and early with the ADS-CPDLC Workstation

Benefits

SITA Air Traffic Control Services provide the following benefits:

Allow access to Future Air Navigation System (FANS)
Streamline and semi-automates labour-intensive exchanges between controllers and pilots on take-off and landing
Comply with industry standard ACARS data link service
Allow access to thousands of aircraft already equipped with ACARS avionics

SITA Air Traffic Control Systems provide the following benefits:

Streamline and semi-automates labour-intensive exchanges between controllers and pilots on take-off and landing
Allow transparent interface to ACARS and ATN air-ground data link networks
Simplify implementation of ADS and CPDLC applications with ADS-CPDLC Workstation

Features

SITA Air Traffic Control Services include the following features:

Pre-FANS

Uses the basic capability of aircraft data link computers to deliver ATS messages to a cockpit printer.

FANS-1/A

The Boeing FANS-1 and AIRBUS FANS-A avionic packages provide the Controller Pilot Data Link Communications and Automatic Dependent Surveillance applications using ACARS data link network services.

ATN Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC)

SITA is committed to providing AIRCOM customer airlines with the ATN services they need to access the CPDLC service being implemented by ATS providers in the Eurocontrol member states under their Link 2000+ program.

ATN Service

AIRCOM has implemented service complying with the ICAO standard for the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) which specifies a protocol for the transport of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications messages over multiple air-ground links including VDL Mode 2 and satellite links.

ADS-B Service

Airservices Australia and SITA have launched a new surveillance service based on ADS-B technology to enable Air Navigation Service Providers in the Asia and Pacific region to accelerate transition to the ICAO CNS/ATM System.

SITA AirTraffic Control Systems include the following features:

AIRCOMEvatis d-ATIS

Air traffic service providers can now transmit Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) material via both VHF voice and data link channels using AIRCOMEvatis – a new turnkey, digital ground system from SITA.

AIRCOMClever DCL

AIRCOMClever is SITA's fully integrated off-the-shelf commercial departure clearance ground system enabling air traffic service providers to transmit clearance information to departing aircraft via data link.

ADS-CPDLC Gateway

A ground system enabling Air Navigation Service Providers to exchange ADS and CPDLC data with both FANS and ATN data link equipped aircraft.

ADS-CPDLC Workstation

Sits atop the SITA ADS-CPDLC Gateway to enable easy and early implementation of ADS and CPDLC applications.

Link 2000+ Programme

The Eurocontrol Link 2000+ Programme co-ordinates the implementation of ICAO compliant Controller Pilot Data Link Communications over an ATN/VDL Mode 2 infrastructure in the core area of Europe.

This initiative has contributed to the EU Single Sky Committee approving an Implementing Rule requiring all airline aircraft in Europe to be equipped with CPDLC using ATN over VDL Mode 2 by 2015, except long haul aircraft equipped with FANS-1/A avionics.

The Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (UACC) launched the availability of this service in March 2004 and was followed by the major European "Pioneer" Upper Area Control Centres including those in Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and France in 2006 and 2007.

Eurocontrol offered technical and financial assistance for "Pioneer Aircraft" to equip their aircraft with CPDLC/ATN avionics and there are now 390 equipped aircraft.

Aircraft operators that have committed to the Link 2000+ Programme using the SITA AIRCOM ATN/VDL service include Lufthansa, Air Europa, FEDEX and Hapag Lloyd.

Following on from the "Pioneer Phase", the Link 2000+ Programme is currently investigating the possibility of introducing incentives by way of route charge reductions for those aircraft that are CPDLC/ATN equipped and operate in Link 2000+ airspace.