09 Apr 2019

AIM High if you want to SWIM

In an ever changing and demanding regulatory AIM environment, our goals must be set very high and target a safer airspace

In an ever changing and demanding regulatory AIM environment, our goals must be set very high and target a safer airspace. In addition, a consolidated and stable base of AIS services and high quality processes are needed for aeronautical information management to comply with applicable regulations.

Today, it is vital to enhance the efficiency and safety of aeronautical operations by empowering the decision makers with full situational awareness while also enabling crucial concepts such as Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) and Performance Based Navigation (PBN).

The amount and complexity of the current set of AIM applicable regulations, guidelines, standards and recommended practices are demanding and effort consuming for Chicago convention signatory states. However, the correct implementation and operation of an AIM system is a cornerstone for the future of air navigation. The increasing use of satellite based navigation systems, UTM integration for RPAS and UAVs, cybersecurity and cloud based solutions will make stakeholders more reliant on the integrity and extended precision of aeronautical data and less reliant upon ground-based infrastructure.

Still existing processes based on aeronautical information available on paper and text messages can no longer satisfy the requirements of an integrated and interoperable ATM system and consequently, AIS (Aeronautical Information Services) is required to evolve from a paper product-centric service to data-centric aeronautical information management (AIM), where the AIXM datasets can be distributed to all stakeholders via SWIM.

The latest regulation is thus oriented to the data-centric paradigm for the collection, storage and distribution of an accurate, consistent, timely and complete digital data set, where quality and integrity (data assurance level) requirements are clearly met. Automation can only be reliable, if both the aeronautical data and the processes in the data chain behind it, are also reliable. This new model, where the data is the key, enables stakeholders to focus mostly on producing a data set of assured aeronautical data quality that they are confident to share and even visualize, while reducing effort to produce aeronautical charts and even the aeronautical publications (eAIP) containing them.

To tackle the above mentioned challenges, Indra Avitech designs solutions that are focused on easing a customer’s transition from AIS to AIM, whilst providing SWIM services using the latest data exchange models, such as AIXM (for static aeronautical information), IWXXM (for meteorological information, recognised as the only ATM certified reference implementation of the OGC for the WFS 2.0 standard), FIXM (for flight and flow information) and Internet protocols in a fully compliant SWIM solution – all essential elements for global interoperability.

The AISPs face the difficulties of complex origination and approval workflows involving different organizations, affecting both the complex operational environment and its associated cost. In addition, the increasing threats regarding security of AIM Systems and their operations pose an additional burden on the AISPs.

In our continuous effort to provide customers with innovative aeronautical information solutions, in 2018 we have obtained the clearance for operations by the Regulator of one of the most relevant ANSPs in Europe for the cloud based AIM solution (Software and Infrastructure as a Service). This System is now operational and is fully compliant with the European Commission  Aeronautical Data Quality (ADQ) Implementing Rules (EU 73/2010). This has enabled our customers to fulfil their legal requirements for provision of aeronautical data and systems for the Single European Sky and consequentially, ICAO regulations.

The solutions demanded by the Service Providers (AISP, ANSP, CAA, etc.) are multiple and of different nature, some of which are listed below:

  • Define Adequate Solutions: Systems (architecture and SW) and associated Services for its implementation (consultancy, training and migration of currently available AIP/chart data to the national static AIXM database)
  • Ensure Regulatory compliancy in the implementation of the Operational Concept
  • Guarantee Aeronautical Data quality, integrity, digitalisation and complete distribution
  • Implement an updated hierarchical organisation considering new processes in Quality (QMS) and Safety (SMS) Management System to meet the requirements

As a leading company in the field, Indra Avitech supports Service Providers on their path to a seamless implementation of a full AIM solution and data exchange via SWIM. Avitech focuses on increasing the efficiency and profitability of operations by reducing manual data entry processes, decreasing data inconsistency over the complete aeronautical data chain and improving the efficiency of process management. Our proven SWIM solution (already operational for over a decade with Civilian and Military customers) for advanced aeronautical data distribution and our track record in delivering cutting-edge AIM systems are only some of the elements helping our customers to AIM high.

Indra Avitech Air Information is a core part of Indra Air solutions, state-of-the-art technologies and solutions used to manage and support every phase of the flight from gate to gate. 

Indra Avitech: adding value to customer operations by providing “the right digital Aeronautical Information, in the right place, at the right time”