|
Air Ground Data Link
In January 2009, the European Union adopted a Regulation on the introduction of data link technology in upper airspace. Data link facilitates the exchange of text messages and thus communication between controllers on the ground and pilots in the cockpit. The new Regulation imposes mandatory time limits on air navigation service providers and airlines for the implementation of the new technology.
This Regulation requires the air navigation service providers of Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal to provide data link technology in upper airspace by February 2013 at the latest. Other European air navigation service providers are to follow suit by February 2015. As regards the control of upper airspace in Europe, data link technology has been in use only at the EUROCONTROL Control Centre in Maastricht, since 2003.
On 15 March 2010, a consortium contract for the common procurement of Air Ground Data Link AGDL was signed. Under the umbrella of FABEC, the participating members (ANA Luxembourg, Belgocontrol, LVNL, DSNA and skyguide) are jointly organising a call for tender which will be published by the consortium leader, DSNA.
On 8 March 2011, DSNA, Belgocontrol, LVNL, Skyguide and ANA signed a framework contract with SITA for the deployment of a VDL2 / ATN infrastructure. This is a significant step to provide by February 2013 a VDL2 communication channel and an ATN routing to all aircraft in their upper airspace meeting the requirements defined by the European Commission.
|
