Australian ATM Strategic Plan
The organised track structure is delivered through the daily generation of Flex Tracks, arranged in a manner that enhances air traffic control separation assurance. It simultaneously allows airlines to obtain benefits from forecast wind conditions that cannot be obtained using the current fixed route structure. To achieve this, Airservices Australia is pursing a system currently being successfully used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the north pacific.
It is conservatively estimated AUSOTS will ultimately provide airlines with better traffic flows and significantly contribute to airline fuel savings in excess of $5m per annum, based upon flight time savings. It will also minimise aircraft emissions on the environment through reduced fuel burn.
Airservices Australia will facilitate the development and design of each individual Flex Track contributing to the overall AUSOTS and will be achieved through daily collaboration with participating airlines. This input ensures the integrity of the air route system is maintained and permits the provision of separation with existing ATC system tools and standards.
The AUSOTS will be created and promulgated on a daily basis as a series of Track Definition Messages (TDM) for the most efficient track between specific international gates and Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. One TDM will be issued bio-directional for each city pair, and will be published to operators by Notice to Airman (NOTAM).
Flights to and from Singapore will be the prime beneficiary of AUSOTS, however Airservices Australia expects that flights from other Asian cities, such as Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta, will also gain benefits. Flights that can gain benefits from using the organised track structure will be encouraged to do so and it is expected, that as experience with Flex Tracks increases, the city pairs included will be expanded.
The AUSOTS trial will commence in June and will be subject to regular review prior to expansion.
Further information on AUSOTS can be found within Airservices Australia's Aeronautical Information Circular(s):
- AIC H28/05 - Australia Organised Track Structure (AUSOTS) Guidelines