New Website Highlights Future Air Traffic Management Technologies
D1/2005
3 February 2005
The Australian aviation industry, airline operators and the general public now have online access to information on the latest developments in aviation communications, navigation surveillance and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) technologies.
Chairman of the Australian Strategic Air Traffic Management Group (ASTRA), Ian Mallet, said today that the website, www.astra.aero, provides eaily accessible and up-to-date information.
"ASTRA is Australia's whole industry Air Traffic Management planning body, with representation by Australian Government and industry organisations. The website highlights a course of action for implementation of the Australian Air Traffic Management (ATM) Strategic Plan," Mr Mallett said.
"Australia is a world leader in implementing cutting edge aviation technology and also leads the way by producing a high level ATM Strategic Plan through the collaboration, cooperation and commitment of industry and government stakeholder organisation."
The new ASTRA website provides detailed information on the ongoing develeopment of the plan and the work of three teams established to implement the Strategic Plan:
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Operational Strategies Implementation Team - will develop programs to support the introduction of User Preferred Trajectories (UPTs) in Australia. UPTs will allow airspace users to optimise flight trajectories in alignment with their business or operational priorities.
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ADS-B Implementation Team - has initiated a project for the mandatory fitment of
ADS-B equipment to all aircraft operating in Australian airspace where commercial airliners, especially regional airliners operate. ADS-B in Australia will potentially increase aviation safety and efficiency by enhancing surveillance capabilities outside radar coverage. -
GNSS Implementation Team - will harness the combined resources of stakeholders to enhance GNSS-based operational procedures in all phases of flight and supports the evolution of Australia's navigation infrastructure towards a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based system.
The introduction of new GNSS technology will enable the enhancement of GNSS-based operational procedures in all phases of flight. It will also provide industry with area navigation, will be an enabler for UPTand ADS-B and will seek to minimise the cost of replacing approximately half the existing ageing navigation aids.
"These initiatives are pivotal to the implementation of the Strategic Plan and will have far reaching consequences for the management of airspace and the way air traffic management is delivered in Australia. The website encourages participation from all stakeholders and the broader community," Mr Mallett said.
Interested parties will find information on joining an ASTRA working group, attending ASTRA meetings, or submitting questions about future developments online. Members of the aviation industry are encouraged to use the ASTRA website as a way of staying in touch with, or becoming involved in, the future of Australia's Air Traffic Management system.
Media Enquiries:
Declan McGrath: (02) 6274 7411