This objective covers the initial transitional step supporting migration from the AFTN to the Basic ATSMHS level of service. AFTN, complemented in Europe by the CIDIN, has provided an effective store-and-forward messaging service for the conveyance of text messages, using character-oriented procedures, for many years. However, AFTN/CIDIN technology is now becoming obsolete, and is not sufficiently flexible to support future messaging requirements. It is intended that existing AFTN and CIDIN users and systems will transition to more modern technology, using the ATSMHS application, defined by ICAO to replace the AFTN telegraphic style of working with a store-and-forward message handling system based on international standards and providing enhanced functionality.

This implementation objective makes use of the EUROCONTROL Specification 0136, Edition number 2.0 "EUROCONTROL specification for the Air Traffic Services Message Handling System (AMHS)" recognised as Community Specification in the Official Journal of the European Union (ref. OJ C 323, 31.12.2009, p. 24), to help the ground ATS Messaging systems of the EATM Network to meet the essential requirements for interoperability mandated by Commission Regulation (EC) No 552/2004. In application of Article 4 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 552/2004, compliance with the essential requirements for interoperability shall be presumed for AMHS systems, together with the associated procedures, that meet the AMHS Community Specification.

For global AMHS address management ICAO has strongly recommended the use of the ATS Messaging Management Centre (AMC) implemented by EUROCONTROL under the aegis of the ICAO EUR Office (Paris) to every ICAO Contracting State worldwide, as soon as there is an AMHS project or implementation in that State.

NOTE FOR MILITARY AUTHORITIES: It is the responsibility of each military authority to review this Objective IN ITS ENTIRETY and address each of the SLoAs that the military authority considers RELEVANT for itself. This has to be done on top and above of the review of "MIL" SLoAs which identify actions EXCLUSIVE to military authorities.

Edition

2022

Stakeholders

Air Navigation Service Provider / Aeronautics Industry

Type

SESAR

Scope

ECAC+

Status

Achieved