New international traffic measures aimed at reducing flight delays and cancellations and improving schedule reliability are being expanded by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The organisation is accelerating the global roll-out of Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), which aims to improve coordination between airlines, airports and air traffic controllers to manage flight movements more efficiently.
During talks last week, ICAO said recent airspace closures and severe weather had exposed the vulnerability of air services and that new aviation technologies were making operations increasingly complex.
ATFM aims to improve flight reliability while reducing fuel consumption and emissions through better coordination of air traffic operations.
One of the measures is Airport Collaborative Decision Making, which allows airlines, airports and air traffic controllers to share real-time information and coordinate decisions on aircraft departures and arrivals.
The reforms also aim to increase airspace capacity through the gradual adoption of ‘free route airspace’. This will enable pilots to select the most direct and efficient path rather than following pre-established routes.
ATFM is already required in certain circumstances, but ICAO is now pushing for its wider adoption internationally.