PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIES ANDCHALLENGES TO ENCOURAGE DATA LINK ADOPTIONOVER THE NORTH ATLANTIC AIRSPACE

摘要

A survey of commercial operators and Air Navigation Service Providers in the North Atlantic (NAT) was conducted with the objective of identing potential strategies for increasing efficiency of operations and promoting the adoption of data link communications. Stakeholders identified fuel penalties associated with the inability to fly preferred routes and levels as the main operational inefficiency in the NAT. Data link is perceived as the enabler to improve operations through applications such as reducing separation minima. Although operational benefits from data link have been significant, economic benefits have not been achieved yet, as major applications have not been implemented. Initial costs of infrastructure and equipment as well as uncertainty in the establishment and harmonization of procedures and technologies are some of the main barriers to data link equipage. However, delivering value from data link to all stakeholders is more than balancing costs and benefits. A number of issues regarding policies, procedures, safety, and technical aspects need to be resolved first. A combination of operational, financial, and regulatory strategies may be necessary to encourage data link adoption.