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With the modern world a distinct advantage of technology is improved communications; various mediums are available to transfer data and voice communications. Here in India, there is a need for much improved systems; particularly relating to ATC system. It is laughable to many ATCs here that our communication phone lines to neighbouring centres are at best intermittent; when can then walk outside, use our mobile phones and get much better communications than through our official sources. I replicate the article that recently appeared in the Indian Express.

AAI joins hands with German specialists to replace obsolete air communication network with state-of-the-art messaging system

In a move that will catapult Mumbai-and India-in the league of aviation biggies, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has roped in German Air Traffic Control (ATC) specialists COMSOFT to undertake the installation of an aeronautical message handling system (AMHS) at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

The AMHS-used to relay flight plans, meteorological data, emergency messages, etc as a flight is transferred from one ATC centre to another-will be a dedicated data network connecting air traffic control centres across the globe. It is a new, refined and superior technology over the currently used aeronautical fixed telecommunication network (AFTN).

While the functionality of the AFTN-implemented in the '70s-is so limited that it can at the most carry text with a maximum of 1,800 characters, the AMHS can carry any kind of digital information including text, graphics, images, files, databases, audio and video.

The move to replace the obsolete AFTN has been underway since March 2005 when AMHS service was established between Japan and USA. While the AFTN is akin to a telex circuit, "the new system will have the same display as in an e-mail, though the underlying protocol will be different," explains Anil Kumar, GM (communication), Mumbai ATC.

Among the most pressing concerns will be the security of the network, "it cannot be compromised and has to be customised to ensure hacking is not possible," he added.

With the installation, India will become the fourth country in the Asia-Pacific region-after Philippines, Australia and Singapore-to make the switch. During the implementation, COMSOFT will install ATN (aeronautical telecommunications network) routers and terminals at the airport to establish the Mumbai node-which will act as the redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions-by December.

"The Mumbai node will be the backbone of the system here since it will act as the gateway to India by linking all stations within the country, apart from serving international stations like Nairobi, Karachi, Muscat and Colombo," said Kumar.

In the first phase, ground-to-ground messaging, that is controller-to-controller communication, will be realised. Later, the system would be enhanced to facilitate ground-to-air communication, which is dialogue between controllers and pilots.

"The contracting parties have agreed to a tight time schedule: the system is to be installed at Mumbai airport and taken into operational service by early 2008. Staff training will be held at COMSOFT facilities in Germany to prepare the technical and operational team for a swift transition to the new technology," COMFSOFT said in a statement.

Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai are next in queue for the switch, since these are the trunk routes.