EC UNVEILS NEW FRAMEWORK FOR AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INTEROPERABILITY
On 15 September, the European Commission has introduced a new regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the interoperability of systems and components essential for air traffic management (ATM) and air navigation services (ANS). This comprehensive framework comprises five regulations and is designed to achieve several objectives.
The framework seeks to boost interoperability, ensuring smoother interactions between various ATM and ANS system and to standardise the performance of ATM ground equipment.
To achieve these goals, the regulations embrace a single-market approach, which is key in reducing fragmentation within the ATM ground equipment market. It also provides clear responsibilities for demonstrating compliance with these regulations, including detailed specifications to be issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Also, the regulations strengthen EASA's role as the certifying authority for both airborne and ground equipment, ensuring consistent compliance across the industry.
Lastly, the new conformity assessment framework consolidates existing interoperability rules, adapting them to fit the EASA framework. This consolidation includes equipment requirements for SES airspace usage on board aircraft, common prerequisites for ATM/ANS providers concerning datalink and surveillance, and flight planning elements within the Standardised European Rules of the Air.
Source: European Commission