Airbus signs MoU with Chinese authorities on cooperation in ATM

Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese air traffic management authorities on air traffic management cooperation.

According to the MoU signed by Airbus and the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Airbus will assist ATMB with the introduction and implementation of new ATM technologies and best practices in China, and will share its experience in Europe with ATMB for the development of future ATM systems in China. The MoU is signed by Wang Liya, Director General of CAAC ATMB and Eric Stefanello, Senior Vice President of Airbus in charge of air traffic management.

Within the MoU framework, Airbus will support ATMB in advanced R&D, the validation and deployment of new ATM technologies, and training. Airbus will also act as a coordinator in terms of extended expertise from some of the ATM players, including Quovadis, Cassidian and German air navigation service provider Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS).

Airbus will support ATMB in 16 potential areas of cooperation identified by ATMB, including R&D, concept and technology validation, support to deployment, airspace design and training. As the first step, five concrete projects have been selected and agreed by both parties to be implemented for the 2010-2012 period, which will pave the way for the long-term cooperation between the two sides.

“CAAC is making efforts to build modernised ATM systems, which will help to improve air transport efficiency in China and contribute to the global air transport industry. The cooperation between CAAC ATMB and Airbus will help us draw on the experience of other regions to develop our future ATM systems, which will be more integrated with global systems,” said WANG Liya, Director General of CAAC ATMB.

“With the MoU, Airbus has expanded its cooperation with China’s civil aviation into a new area. Global interoperability of air traffic management systems, in particular between the future ATM system in China and SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) is key for the air transport industry, and strengthening cooperation between Europe and China will support global interoperability,” said Laurence Barron, President of Airbus China.

A modernised ATM system will bring benefits in terms of operational efficiency and eco-efficiency by reducing flight delays, saving aircraft fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions.