The MoU signed by Airbus and the ATMB under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) focuses on improving air transportation, capacity and efficiency, while contributing to a sustainable future. It will also help in harmonizing China’s ATM, globally and regionally. The implementation of advanced ATM technologies and solutions will be done by “Airbus ProSky”, Airbus’ ATM company.

Within the MoU framework, four projects will start this year:

• Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM)
• Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)
• Chengdu Airport capacity assessment and RNP AR (Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required to ILS (Instrument Landing System) implementation
• Instrument Landing Systems at Beijing Capital Airport performance improvement

Globally, the modernisation of ATM systems will also generate environmental benefits such as savings of some 13 billion liters of fuel per year, a reduction in CO₂ emissions of some 29 million tons per year, as well as some four million hours of delays. On a global basis, it is estimated that eight per cent of the world’s aviation fuel is wasted due to inefficiencies in ATM.

We are delighted to launch the cooperation programme with CAAC ATMB in air traffic management. ATM modernisation is key to making air transportation more efficient. It is also key to help aviation grow capacity efficiently. China is set to become the largest domestic civil aviation market in the world. We are happy to support the modernisation of China’s ATM system, which will also play an important role in advancing China’s civil aviation development in general.

—Eric Chen, President of Airbus China