Weekly Review #261 - The most important department in an ANSP

Picture of Vincent Lambercy
Posted September 25 2024 by Vincent Lambercy
When I started working for an air navigation service back in 2000, there was an inside joke that only two of the 1,500 employees were profitable: the ones working for the routes charge department. They were in charge of collecting money from airlines via EUROCONTROL. But, does that make them the most important employees? And if not, what is the most important department in an ANSP?
 
Of course, operations departments are super important. After all, without air traffic controllers, there is no traffic and no revenue. If there are no ATCOs available, it creates an immediate issue, which heightens their visibility and can give them a feeling of being the most important department in the company.

But then there's also the technical department. Because ATCOs can't work without equipment. The impact might be less immediate, especially when it comes to equipment renewal projects. These can last for years. But they are still important too, right? Or, maybe, the training department is the most important. After all, if no new ATCOs are trained, there will be nobody to keep traffic flowing and replace existing ATCOs when they eventually leave. 
 
The list goes on and on. But you see my point. All departments in an ANSP play a crucial role and are here for a reason. The impact of their work, or issues impacting them, will become visible at different times and on different scales. From my experience, the faster a problem goes up, the faster it can be solved. I tend to worry more about a problem that has been slowly becoming more and more acute over months or even years than one that pops up without warning and skyrockets.
 
Whatever the issue you have to deal with, remember that if you need support, you can always count on our expertise and availability to help solve it. With that being said, you'll find the usual selection of this week's news below, which is just a small part of all that we've captured. If you want the full report, contact us.
 
Vincent

ANSP news

Airport news

  • Strong recovery points Zambian airports towards growth - British Aviation Group - Ngoza Matalaka, managing director of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, explains more about ZACL's ongoing expansion projects helping drive passenger growth in the region.
  • Seoul to develop UAM hub around Gimpo International Airport - Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, South Korea will host a new UAM hub by 2030 according to new plans from the city’s local government. Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, will host a new Urban Air Mobility (UAM) hub by 2030 according to new plans from the city’s local government.
  • Completion of flight check of centre runway paves way for three-runway operation - The recent completion of the flight check for the centre runway marks a significant milestone in paving the way for a three-runway operation. This accomplishment showcases the dedication and expertise of the team in ensuring the safe and efficient utilization of airport facilities.
  • Flights Cancelled at Gatwick and Heathrow as Chaos Continues - The recent chaos at Gatwick and Heathrow airports has led to numerous flight cancellations, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated. Delays and uncertainties plague the travel plans of many, with no immediate solutions in sight. The impact of these ongoing disruptions is significant, affecting not only travelers but also airport operations and airlines. Authorities are working to address the issues causing the chaos, but the situation remains tense as passengers await updates and solutions.

Market news

Context information

  • Exciting Mission for EUROCONTROL - CANI - The Flight Inspection Unit of CANI embarked on an exciting mission for EUROCONTROL. The goal is to gather crucial data on GPS signal interference in Northern Europe. This mission is key for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of GPS systems, which are essential for aviation safety and efficiency. The team will be working closely with local authorities and experts to identify and mitigate any sources of interference. This collaborative effort will help enhance the overall performance of navigation systems across the region.
  • CANSO Director General addresses APAC Civil Aviation Ministerial Conference - Simon Hocquard, Director General of CANSO, attended the second Asia Pacific Civil Aviation Ministerial Conference in New Delhi, where he emphasised the urgent need for a consensus on Air Traffic Management to support the region’s growing aviation sector. In his remarks, Simon highlighted the disparity between investment in airport infrastructure and ATM capacity, warning that this could lead to a capacity crunch if not addressed.
  • EUROCAE Symposium 2025 - EUROCAE has chosen Madrid as the host city for its 2025 gathering, scheduled for 23-24 April. This event will bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore the latest advancements and future prospects in the aviation sector.
  • ATM Cost-Effectiveness (ACE) First look at ACE 2023 data - EUROCONTROL - A new report providing a first look at ANSP 2023 cost effectiveness data has been produced by the EUROCONTROL Performance Review Unit. This data has not yet been validated and thus may differ from that in the High-level Summary Report planned for December 2024 and the final ACE report in May 2025.
  • What You Need to Know About the European Data Link Mandate - This article provides important information on the recent European Data Link Mandate that aircraft operators should be aware of before flying to Europe. It highlights the key requirements and implications for operators in order to ensure compliance with the mandate.
  • The Role of Airport Master Planning in Long-Term Operational Success - This article explores the significance of airport master planning in ensuring efficient long-term operations. It discusses how meticulous planning and foresight play a pivotal role in aviation infrastructure development and modernization.
  • Singapore’s Changi Airport to expand with new mega terminal to stay ahead of regional rivals - Singapore will start construction of a new mega terminal at Changi Airport in the first half of next year, aiming to lift the aviation hub’s annual passenger handling capacity by more than half. The new Terminal 5 would add capacity for another 50 million passengers a year when operational in the mid-2030s, up from 90 million, and would allow the aviation hub serve more than 200 destinations, from almost 150 now.

Research and innovation

  • Collaboration Agreement Between SESAR JU and ICAO for Aviation Safety - SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) announces a partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enhance aviation safety. By joining forces, they aim to improve air traffic management systems, implementing advanced technologies and procedures. This collaboration aligns with the global efforts to modernize and harmonize aviation operations, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing safety standards worldwide.
  • SESAR JU launches new round of U-space research programmes - Unmanned airspace - On 19 September, the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) joint undertaking announced that 18 exploratory research projects had officially kicked off. Three of these have a direct relevance to lower airspace.
  • Introduction of 18 New SESAR Exploratory Research Projects - This article highlights the launch of 18 new SESAR exploratory research projects aimed at driving innovation in air traffic management. These projects will focus on exploring new technologies and concepts to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the aviation industry. By investing in research and development, SESAR aims to shape the future of air traffic management and contribute to a more seamless and integrated European airspace.
  • SESAR among the pathways to boost Europe’s competitiveness, confirms Draghi Report - According to the Draghi report, SESA​R plays a vital role in enhancing Europe's competitiveness through multiple pathways. The report highlights the importance of SESA​R in improving the continent's overall economic performance, innovation capabilities, and global competitiveness. Through its innovative solutions and advancements in air traffic management, SESA​R is identified as a key player in driving Europe towards a more competitive and sustainable future. The report emphasizes the need for continued support and investment in SESA​R to ensure Europe remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and maintains its strategic position in the global market.
  • Thales Australia and Underwood Innovation Labs sign an MoU to establish a collaborative AAM Centre of Excellence in Queensland, Australia - Thales and Underwood Innovation Labs, the inaugural Australian government-backed innovation lab, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an Advanced Air Mobility Centre of Excellence (AAM COE). The AAM COE will facilitate the growth of a scalable and collaborative UAV ecosystem in Advanced Air Mobility, create high-skilled jobs, and provide access to indoor, virtual and physical airspace for the safe design and testing of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems. ​ The establishment of the AAM COE aligns with the Australian Government's priorities identified in the Aviation White Paper regarding the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.
  • EUROCONTROL partners with RPBW to build its future Innovation Hub - Eurocontrol has announced a partnership with RPBW to develop its Innovation Hub. The collaboration aims to create a center for innovation and research within the organization.
  • Crown team wins five-year, $121 million NASA contract to advance aerospace and technology research - Crown Consulting has been awarded the five-year, $121 million NASA Academic Mission Services 2 (NAMS-2) contract to provide aerospace and technology research and development support for NASA’s Ames Research Center. The NAMS-2 research will focus on improving air traffic management to meet future aviation demands through ground-breaking research and development in a range of topics.

Reports and data

UAV and UTM