Air Traffic Management

​​​As air traffic grows, so does the need for efficient, globally harmonized and interoperable Air Traffic Management (ATM). We are seeking a structured and globally harmonized ATM framework, supported by a cost-effective and sustainable Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure.​
​​

Communication, navigation and surveillance

IATA collaborates globally with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to influence global standards, recommend practices and guidance material used by airlines, air navigation service providers and regulatory agencies for the benefit of all stakeholders.​ ​​

Single European Sky

European Air Traffic Management inefficiency is costing EUR 5 billion extra a year to airlines and passengers. The failure to make significant progress on the Single European Sky is causing wider damage to the European economy through delays. Something needs to be done.

IATA, with the Association of European Airlines (AEA) and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has published ‘A Blueprint for the Single European Sky’ (pdf). This report outlines a clear roadmap towards achieving the SES goals for costs, safety, capacity and environment impact. The analysis shows that there is no insurmountable technical obstacles, but there are three key reforms that the airline industry regards as essential to achieving the SES.

• A binding performance system through the establishment of an independent European regulator for air navigation charges 
• The rationalization of air traffic management structures through opening up services to competition and a reduction in the number of air traffic control centers across Europe to not more than 40 
• Improving the efficiency of the network through the modernization of the ATM system

NextGen

The benefits of the enhanced capacity of NextGen in the United States have been estimated at $77 billion from reduced delays over the period 2011–2030. There will also be significant CO2 reductions. Sequestration has forced the Federal Aviation Administration to prioritize, however, and progress has not been as fast as expected.

Seamless Asia Sky

The Asia-Pacific Seamless ATM Planning Group has presented to the Asia-Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group an ATM plan that includes a timeline for air navigation infrastructure improvements consistent with ICAO’s Aviation System Block Upgrades. IATA remains active in the development of the Seamless Asia Plan.​