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Remote Towers - Interactive Map

Changes in the Air Traffic Management (ATM) domain are continuous and challenges of research, development and transition to introduce these changes are daily life for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and their staff: air traffic controllers, technicians, engineers, managers, and decision-makers. Automation is nothing new in the ATM system. The so-called ‘new technologies’ leading digitalization, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML), are finding their way into the ATM working environment. Whereas a lot of expectation is linked to technology hype, introducing new technology will have to follow the path of introducing new technological components into a running ATM system.

A Digital Tower environment offers possibilities to use technologies in a novel way and comes with new challenges for the Air Traffic Controllers working in such an environment. Licensing, mainly where current EASA licensing regulation prevails, opens a new challenge for Air Traffic Control.

The provision of aerodrome air traffic services (ATS) from remote locations is receiving more and more attention. Remote operational services have been provided at airports open for commercial aircraft operations since April 2015, and several new services are being deployed. The ‘remote provision of aerodrome air traffic services’ (known as remote tower operations) enables the provision of aerodrome ATS from locations where direct visual observation is unavailable. Instead, the provision of aerodrome ATS is based on a view of the airport and its vicinity through technology.

The IFATCA Remote Tower Task Force (RTTF) produced an interactive map of all the Remote Digital and Tower operations known to IFATCA to provide an accessible overview at the global level of the various initiatives.

Background

The IFATCA ROSC (Remote Operations Standing Committee, later re-labelled to Remote Tower Task Force RTTF) was established during the Conference of Toronto 2017 as a specialized team to draft a position paper on Remote Tower operations. The group gathered more than 40 people from all regions. In 2022, the SESAR/EASA coordinator assumed responsibility for the group and, as one of the initiatives, produced this interactive map for all the Remote Digital and Tower operations known to IFATCA.

The Task Force is composed of Katariina Syväys (Finland), Antonio Anzellotti (Italy), Thomas Kolbeisen (Norway), Thomas Harrison (UK), Adam Rhodes (USA), Péter Szalóky (Hungary), Jaymi Steinberg (TOC Chair), Benjamin van der Sanden (IFATCA EVP Technical), Ignacio Baca (Spain) and Marc Baumgartner (SESAR / EASA coordinator).

The work of the RTTF aims to provide more insight into the challenging topic of Remote/Digital Tower, by analyzing some of the identified topics such as Frame Rate, Licensing of ATCOs and recording of new data sources. In parallel, it also provides an exchange platform to coordinate ongoing work at ICAO, EASA, Eurocae and SESAR. If possible, in the coming year, Guidance Material will result as a final product of the work started.

Disclaimer: The information and data on this page are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. While we have tried to represent the information provided to us as accurately as possible, IFATCA takes no responsibility for the accuracy and does not warrant the accuracy of or make any other warranties or representations regarding the information presented here. Furthermore, the information here may be updated without notice to the users. Use of the information here is at your sole and absolute risk. If you believe data is misrepresented, please get in touch with [email protected].

International Aviation Organizations Condemn Workplace Harassment and Violence

MONTREAL- The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), the
International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), and the International
Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), are united in their condemnation of all forms of workplace
harassment and violence. Workplace harassment happens in all sectors, all global regions, and
in all industries. However, in a world shifting rapidly towards total condemnation of workplace
harassment, aviation often lags behind other industries.

It is impossible to address workplace harassment, particularly sexual and gender-based
harassment, in the aviation industry without an examination and understanding of its severe
gender imbalance. Women make up fewer than 5% of airline pilots, 3% of aircraft maintenance
engineers and technicians, and only about 20% of air traffic controllers worldwide. This lack of
diversity continues to support an environment of exclusion.

If we are to maximize the potential of aviation professionals worldwide, we must all unite to
counteract this imbalance. The culture of aviation must accelerate to the level of other
industries if we are to attract and retain the skilled workforce required to address the staffing
shortages – for pilots, ATC, cabin crew, and ground crew.

We call on the entire aviation industry to establish practices in alignment with the International
Labour Organization’s Convention No.190- on the elimination of violence and harassment at
work. We call on States to ratify both the ILO C190, as well as the ICAO Montreal Protocol 2014
to prevent violence from unruly passengers.

Further, we urge the international aviation community to actively support ICAO’s Gender
Equality Programme promoting the participation of women in the global aviation, and to follow
ICAO as it “Reaffirms its commitment to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of
women’s development by supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve gender
equality and empower all women and girls including by aiming to achieve an aspirational goal
of 50-50 (women-men) by 2030 at all professional and higher levels of employment in the global
aviation sector…”

IFALPA, IFATCA, and the ITF are united in condemning all forms of workplace harassment in the
aviation industry. We encourage every employer to establish and maintain a safe working
environment, free from harassment and intimidation. “A positive atmosphere, open interaction,
and a functional work community elevates the wellbeing of employees.”

Media contacts:
IFALPA, Emily Bitting
ITF, Luke Menzies,
IFATCA, Nicola Niriada, or Tatiana Iavorskaia

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Note to Editors

About ITF - The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation of unions recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve working lives, connecting trade unions from 154 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for their members. We are the voice for 18.5 million transport workers who move the world.

About IFALPA - The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry.

About IFATCA - The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) represents more than 130 associations around the world. As the professional voice of Air Traffic controllers, we enjoy a worldwide reputation amongst all partners in Air Traffic Management with representation in many areas, including ICAO and Eurocontrol. Promoting safety and efficiency in international air navigation is paramount to us.

[FP] frontpage / [NR] Press Release - 07/25/2023

IFATCA EVP Europe on the European Staff Shortage

In 2022, the European network delays cost the airlines an estimated EUR 800 million!

According to the Network Manager, around 70 sectors – out of nearly 570 – were responsible for the vast majority of this delay. The main cause for this 7% under-capacity was a shortage of air traffic controllers (ATCOs). With the foreseen 15% traffic increase in summer, the effects of this shortage will be a major hurdle for air travel in Europe and will affect all stakeholders.

Still according to EUROCONTROL, the actual shortage is between 700 and 800 ATCOs. This would mean that there is a need for a “one-off investment" of between EUR 70-200 million for the ANSPs.

How does it compare to an annual cost of EUR 800 million?

Regulating European Air Traffic Management has been a challenge since the beginning of the European Commission’s Performance Scheme. Following the COVID crisis, the evolution of the existing system has been subjected to new stressors. Continuing to focus on cost efficiency has the potential to suffocate the existing system and undermine the resilience needed for the expected traffic increase. We have witnessed the recurrent formula: stop hiring and training to reduce the costs, after that with the same consequences a few years later: a capacity crisis and sky-rocketing delays. From IFATCA’s perspective, continuously hammering on reducing costs has had the opposite results - i.e. lack of capacity, increased delays, and extra CO2 emissions. Despite what some would like us to believe, this cost-cutting policy contributes to a very inglorious cocktail for the future of a sustainable aviation industry.

Consequently, IFATCA calls on the European Commission to exclude the hiring of the needed workforce from a future target-setting scheme, as it could avoid continuing this negative spiral.

Targeted cost efficiency, performance goals, robust professional dialogue, and sound resource management within a political visionary project shall be our main targets to deliver what we all look for: a safe, performant, continuous and viable European aviation industry.

Building on the existing experience and performance of the ATM system, there is a need to continue to strive for the long-term sustainable development of a robust and resilient system.

Solutions exist, though, depending on political will. IFATCA has always been willing to participate in constructive debate and has proposals for a “win-win” system.

A few established ATC systems exist ( even for decades) with a proven performance and efficiency record, which can serve as the blueprint of the Single European Sky at a regional level.

Therefore, the potential exists to spread this performance across the European Network if one would look to work “Together-Further” towards a common goal. A political commitment is needed.

For now, IFATCA has produced a self-reported heat map which you can access via the following link. While the data is, of course, subjective, it demonstrates how our European Member Associations perceive their situation.

Read IFATCA's Press Release on the European Staff Shortage

Read the Press Release

To make matters worse, the demography of the current workforce does not look like this problem will go away soon. To ensure the transition to a more digital and greener industry, we will likely need extra resources. It would be timely to highlight this general challenge.

All (European) Air Traffic Controllers take pride in ensuring a safe and efficient service to airspace users. Solutions exist to achieve more performance, not necessarily embedded in SES2+. We have missed many opportunities and wasted exceptional resources due mainly to the wrong target foundations of inconsistent political agendas.

IFATCA remains available to deliver its professional and technical expertise to achieve the safe, continuous, sound, and performant Air Traffic Control system the European continent deserves.

[FP] frontpage / [NR] Press Release / EUR - 04/17/2023

International Women's Day 2023

This is the first time the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA), International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA), International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA), and International Federation of Flight Information Association (IFISA) have come together to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive aviation industry by embracing the International Women’s Day theme:

#EmbraceEquity

Barriers associated with workplace stereotypes have hindered women from pursuing and advancing careers in our sector. There is a lack of women in the general workforce and specifically in leadership roles in Aviation.

When we #EmbraceEquity, we state that promoting equal, diverse, and inclusive access to the aviation profession is not only a question of including women, but also a way to ensure that the aviation world is not missing out on half of the World’s talent pool.

When we #EmbraceEquity, we highlight that initiatives supporting women in accessing the professions and in career development are needed. We want to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity.

When we #EmbraceEquity, we help future generations of women view aviation as an industry where diversity is valued and celebrated.

We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From every single person within aviation to the global aviation industry as a whole, we must all embrace equity.

[FP] frontpage / [NR] News - 03/08/2023

Press Release - Crash in Pokhara, NEPAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montréal, Canada - The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations, IFATCA, expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the crash of a Yeti Airlines ATR-72 in Pokhara, Nepal on January 15, 2023. In particular, our thoughts and prayers go to our colleague who lost several close family members in this tragic accident.

IFATCA will liaise with our colleagues in Nepal to offer them assistance. It is of utmost importance that those who have witnessed the accident first-hand are provided with the appropriate support to help them cope with such a traumatic event.

As the representative body for air traffic controller professionals worldwide, IFATCA asks that the media respect the privacy of the families and loved ones affected by this tragic event and refrain from speculating on the cause of the crash. Aviation accidents are typically caused by a complex interaction of multiple factors, and speculation on these factors does not contribute to improving safety.

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[FP] frontpage / [NR] Press Release / Sad Things - 01/15/2023

100 Years ATC - We Are Just Getting Started

ATC 100 is about looking at the profession over the last hundred years. It’s important to document our history but equally important is to document our present so that in the future, people will look back at this event, and we'll become part of their history.

The idea of documenting the present translated into projects like the One Hundred Faces and the One Hundred Ways to Say Air Traffic Controller. Striking in all of these is how passionate controllers are about their profession. It doesn't matter what country you come from, put a group of controllers in a room or a group of controllers with others in the room, and you can pick them out.

To illustrate this, Julio from Portugal, Alessandra from Italy, Ricard from Sweden and Christian from Estonia volunteered to present their views on what being an air traffic controller means to them.

[FP] frontpage / [NR] News - 11/27/2022

Press Release: Accident in Lima, Peru

On behalf of Air Traffic Controllers around the world, the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations, IFATCA, would like to express its condolences to all those affected by the accident on 18 November 2022 in Lima, Peru, where an aircraft on take-off collided with a fire truck. We are in contact with our colleagues in Peru and have offered them assistance. It is of utmost importance that all involved are provided with appropriate support to help them cope with such a traumatic event.

The IFATCA Executive Board understands and respects the need for the families of the victims and the general public to find explanations and closure. However, this cannot be achieved by premature and undue speculation about the causes of the tragedy. Aviation accidents are typically caused by a complex interaction of multiple factors that result in a tragic outcome.

We emphasize that according to Annex 13 to the International Convention on Civil Aviation, the sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident shall be the prevention of accidents and incidents. It is not the purpose of this activity to apportion blame or liability. The same Annex also explicitly protects the identity of the staff directly or indirectly involved in the accident. Peru has been a signatory to the ICAO Convention since 1946.

Speculation, especially regarding possible responsibilities, is unacceptable at this early investigation stage and may even hinder this process. We urge all parties involved to stick to facts and official findings when those are released by the authorities.

En nombre de los Controladores de Tráfico Aéreo de todo el mundo, la Federación Internacional de Asociaciones de Controladores de Tráfico Aéreo, IFATCA, desea expresar sus condolencias a todos los afectados por el accidente ocurrido el 18 de noviembre de 2022 en Lima, Perú, en el que una aeronave que estaba despegando colisionó con un camión de bomberos. Estamos en contacto con nuestra colegas en Perú con el fin de ofrecerles asistencia. Es de suma importancia que todos los implicados reciban el apoyo adecuado para ayudarles a sobrellevar un evento tan traumático.

El Consejo Ejecutivo de la IFATCA comprende y respeta la necesidad de que las familias de las víctimas y el público en general reciban información y explicaciones. Sin embargo, esto no puede lograrse mediante especulaciones prematuras e indebidas sobre la causa del accidente. Los accidentes de aviación suelen estar causados por una compleja interacción de múltiples factores que dan lugar a un trágico resultado.

Hemos de destacar que, según el Anexo 13 del Convenio Internacional de Aviación Civil, el único objetivo de la investigación de un accidente o incidente será la prevención de accidentes e incidentes. No es el propósito de esta actividad determinar la culpa o la responsabilidad. El mismo anexo también protege explícitamente la identidad del personal implicado directa o indirectamente en el accidente. Perú es signatario del Convenio de la OACI desde 1946.

La especulación, especialmente cuando se trata de posibles responsabilidades, es inaceptable en esta fase temprana de la investigación, e incluso puede obstaculizar este proceso. Instamos a todas las partes implicadas a que se atengan a los hechos y a las conclusiones oficiales cuando éstas sean publicadas por las autoridades.

2022_pr_lima Download as PDF

[FP] frontpage / [NR] Press Release - 11/19/2022

Ukraine Situation update during European Regional Meeting

During the European Regional Meeting, a representative of the Ukrainian Federation of Air Traffic Controllers (FATCU) made a gripping statement on behalf of his colleagues.

The solidarity of IFATCA Member States with their Ukrainian colleagues has been incredible and continues to this day. At the same time, it must be recognised that we can only alleviate a very small part of their problems and suffering. If you or your association wishes to help, please check https://ifatca.org/ukraine

Sláva Ukrayíni

[FP] frontpage / [NR] News - 11/02/2022

Press Release - Situation Haiti

The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations, IFATCA, is gravely concerned for the safety of civil aviation in Haitian airspace following the attack on civil aviation safety personnel, including three air traffic controllers, one suffering a gunshot injury, in close proximity to Toussaint Louverture International Airport while being transported to work.

IFATCA has asked the National Office of Civil Aviation (OFNAC) for their immediate and thorough attention to the significant matters involving the safety and security of air traffic control professionals and subsequently the aviation system in Haiti. Unfortunately, to date IFATCA has received no response from OFNAC.

IFATCA acknowledges the difficult situation in the country and hopes for peace soon. However, the health and well-being of this essential workforce is of the utmost concern to us therefore proper dialogue should take place so resolution with representatives of Association Professionnelle des Contrôleurs Aériens Haïtiens (APCAH) can occur regarding this urgent situation.

While air traffic control personnel have worked tirelessly to provide services it is time now to readjust the priorities to protect these air traffic controllers. Exacerbating this already tragic situation, allowing former air traffic controllers that are not qualified, rated, licensed, or certified to work air traffic control positions poses concerns for the safety of air traffic in Haiti.

The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) is the independent, non-political, and non-industrial professional association representing more than 50,000 air traffic controllers in 133 countries worldwide. Among the objectives of the Federation is the promotion of safety, efficiency, and regularity in international air navigation, along with safeguarding the interests of air traffic controllers. In this case, air traffic controllers’ lives are at risk.

IFATCA, as a Federation of aviation safety professionals feels obligated to raise this matter of extreme urgency.

2022-ifatca-pr-on-haiti Download

[FP] frontpage / [NR] Press Release - 11/01/2022

ICAO Assembly #41

The ICAO Assembly meets at least once every three years and is convened by ICAO’s governing body, the Council. During the sessions, ICAO’s complete work programme in the technical, economic, legal and technical cooperation fields is reviewed in detail. Assembly outcomes are then provided to the other bodies of ICAO and to its Member States. IFATCA attends these sessions as observer - meaning it is not entitled to vote on the issues discussed, but can comment on the different working papers submitted.

The 2022 session was held from 27 September until 7 October. Our Federation's interventions can be reviewed below.

IFALPA & IFATCA comment on Working Paper 123, on unstable approaches

IFATCA's intervention on Working Paper 228, presented by ACI, which highlights the economic challenges faced by our industry’s airports.

IFATCA's comments on Working Paper 230 - standardizing of working practices during abnormal traffic levels whilst maintaining training efficiency

IFATCA's input on Working Paper 256 on improving the approach to mental health.

IFATCAs comments on Working Paper 356, submitted by CANSO on their roadmap for future skies

[FP] frontpage / [NR] News - 10/14/2022

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