New system from Aerothai

President Priti Hetrakul said the company would provide the system for west-bound aircraft from Asian airports transiting Afghan air space to European destinations.

He said that over the past two years, the company had been tasked by the International Civil Aviation Organisation to develop the Bay of Bengal Cooperative Air-Traffic-Flow Management System (Bobcat) to manage west-bound aircraft operating over Afghanistan during the busy nighttime period.

Bobcat is interactive with ATFM, which is also interactive with airlines and airports via the Internet. Prior to submitting flight plans each night, airlines must log into the Bobcat system to obtain slot allocations consisting of route, altitude and entry time into Afghan space. The airline will then be advised or ordered regarding the operation, including time of flying across Afghanistan before reaching its destination.

Priti said the company would service 50-60 flights a day by 30 airlines departing for Europe from airports in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Malaysia.

During the first period of implementation, the company will not charge airlines for the service. However, the company will begin billing for the service later.

Aerothai has invested more than Bt10 million in its computer system and software.

The ATFM operation trial has been running since last year with more than 30 airlines participating. Trial results indicated the reliable ATFM system could meet the requirements of all participants.

International Air Transport Association manager Albert Tjoeng said the upcoming service would help airlines reduce departure delays for outbound flights from Asia to Europe, particularly during peak hours.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation