Air navigation capacity and efficiency priorities
Aerodrome Capacity and Efficiency
New ICAO provisions contributing to aerodrome capacity and efficiency included specifications germane to aeroplanes with folding wingtips, standardized nomenclature for naming of taxiways, and a new method of pavement reporting.
In respect of aeroplanes with folding wing tips, it is envisaged that the global implementation of provisions will enhance the efficiency of airside processes and activities, and will contribute to better planning and management of factors which may otherwise impact or limit operation of such aeroplanes on the movement areas of aerodromes. Once the wings are folded, the aeroplane can manoeuvre on areas designated for lower codes, resulting in a more efficient use of aerodrome land surface and avoiding unnecessary runway or taxiway modifications.
The provisions related to a standardized taxiway naming convention is intended to reduce confusion and improve awareness, thus improving ground efficiency on movement areas, in addition to reducing the risk of runway incursions and taxiway confusion.
The improved accuracy of the new pavement reporting system, especially with regard to modern landing gear arrangements and pavement materials, will allow an optimized use of pavement structural capacity.
Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM)
ATFM is performed via a collaborative decision-making (CDM) process, where aerodromes, air navigation services providers, airspace users and other stakeholders work together, and improve the overall performance of the ATM system.
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of the criticality of ATFM/CDM being a foundation stone for handling disruptions, prioritization, exemptions and for managing regional and inter-regional traffic flows in a collaborative and harmonized manner. Consequently, additional focus is being placed on this aspect of ATM.
The development of a comprehensive ATFM implementation support package is ongoing.
Space-based ADS-B
Space-based ATS surveillance capability provides precise position/velocity information in airspace where it is not cost-effective or even feasible to place ground surveillance infrastructure. In 2020 the ICAO Council approved separation minima, for inclusion in
Procedures for Air Navigation Services — Air Traffic Management (PANS-ATM, Doc 4444), which capitalizes on this new surveillance capability.
These newly approved separation minima provide a very real step towards achieving the performance ambitions of the
Global Air Navigation Plan.
NOTAM
ICAO reviewed the
Aeronautical Information Services Manual (Doc 8126) to better align with the new Annex 15 and PANS-AIM (Doc 10066) provisions. The updated manual now contains updated guidance material regarding promulgation of NOTAM. The NOTAM chapter was revised in its entirety, all examples reviewed and new diagrams added to facilitate AIS personnel in drafting high quality NOTAM.
