Airtel ATN has announced its first CM/ADS-C deployment in Asia-Pacific. LACS, Airtel ATN’s Context Management/Automatic Dependent Surveillance, Contract (CM/ADS-C) product aims to be deployed at Viasat’s Singapore Test Facility as a dedicated trials and demonstration environment for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and aircraft operators across the region. This marks the first potential deployment of LACS outside Europe.
What Is LACS and Why Does It Matter?
Airtel provides a CM Server (CMS) and ADS-C server product (ACS) which is designed to provide a common data link service within a specific region. It is a centralised solution combining CM Service and ADS-C Common Service. It acts as a shared server, with data distribution via SWIM to Participating ANSP’s It is a key element in automated position reporting and trajectory management between aircraft and air traffic controllers. For ANSP’s this can mean a reduction in controller workload allowing for easier validation of FMS trajectories. A common service can lower deployment costs, optimize bandwidth usage and simplify data link implementation.
Airtel ATN currently operates LACS pre-operationally in Europe. It forms a core component of Viasat’s Iris satellite-based datalink programme, hosted at the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP). The aim of a deployment in Singapore is to take LACS beyond European airspace for the first time.
A Joint collaboration on the road towards TBO to Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific deployment will be a joint collaboration between Airtel ATN and Viasat. It aims to give regional ANSPs and aircraft operators direct access to LACS and is seen as part of a longer journey to take Iris and LACS and Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) availability global.
The Next Step in LACS’s Global Expansion
The Singapore deployment represents the next phase in LACS’s evolution: from a European pre-operational system to a globally available CM/ADS-C capability. For Asia-Pacific ANSPs and aircraft operators evaluating next-generation air traffic management solutions, this trial environment provides hands-on access to a system already proven in European operational conditions.
“This is LACS going global.” says Airtel CEO Santi Ibaz. “The aim of the Singapore deployment with Viasat is to give Asia-Pacific’s ANSPs and operators direct access to a CM/ADS-C capability, that has already earned its place in European operations. We are proud to be taking this step with Viasat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LACS?
LACS is Airtel ATN’s CM/ADS-C programme, developed by Airtel under the EU’s SESAR programme. It is a centralised solution combining CM Service and ADS-C Common Service. It acts as a shared server, with data distribution via SWIM to Participating ANSP’s.
Where is LACS currently deployed?
LACS is deployed pre-operationally in Europe as part of Viasat’s Iris programme, hosted at the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP). The plan for a Singapore deployment at Viasat’s premises will be the first outside Europe.
Who is this deployment for?
The Singapore environment is designed for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and aircraft operators across the Asia-Pacific region who want to evaluate and demonstrate LACS and Trajectory Based Operations (TBO) capability.
What is Trajectory Based Operations (TBO)?
TBO is an air traffic management concept that uses precise four-dimensional flight path data, latitude, longitude, altitude, and time, to improve airspace efficiency, increase predictability, and reduce aircraft holding patterns.
About Airtel ATN
Airtel ATN is a global leader in data link communication systems, providing air traffic management telecommunication software and test equipment to make aviation safer, greener, and more efficient. The company’s technology is installed on over 13,000 aircraft worldwide and is trusted by 60% of European ANSPs for operational and testing software solutions. Airtel ATN serves ANSPs, Communication Service Providers, avionics manufacturers, and MRO organisations across more than 35 countries. Headquartered in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
