Asia-Pacific Region Conducts First Regional Laboratory Demonstration of Trajectory-Based Operations
4 August 2025
More Air Navigation Service Providers join project to make new air traffic management concept a reality
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is one step closer to implementing trajectory-based operations (TBO) with the successful conduct of a first joint regional laboratory demonstration from 22 to 24 July 2025 in Hanoi, Viet Nam involving eight air navigation service providers (ANSPs), namely of Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, United States and Viet Nam. In this demonstration, the eight parties trialled the automated exchanges of simulated flight management information, including flight plans, weather conditions, airspace restrictions and air traffic congestion, to jointly and collaboratively manage flights between the city-pairs of Auckland, Bali, Bangkok, Guam, Singapore and Tokyo.
2 Today, international flights are separately and independently managed by the respective ANSP as they traverse Flight Information Regions (FIRs). TBO is a new air traffic management (ATM) concept which promises to cut air travel cost, time and carbon emissions, through ANSPs working together to plan and optimise an aircraft’s entire flight trajectory across FIRs, from take-off to touchdown, and share information, such as on weather, airspace closures, and other traffic constraints. This will allow ANSPs to manage air traffic strategically ahead of time, rather than make reactive course corrections as and when information becomes available. It will yield significant benefits to airlines, passengers, and the environment, through improved safety and efficiency, reduced delays and disruptions, and lower fuel burn and emissions.
3 A critical enabler for TBO is information sharing to support common situation awareness and collaborative decision-making. To implement TBO, ANSPs need to upgrade existing infrastructure to allow the exchange of digital information. Globally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has developed a new information management framework known as the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) that will make use of the new infrastructure. ICAO has also developed new standards for flight planning information exchange that can support dynamic flight trajectory changes known as the Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE). The aviation industry is targeting to deploy FF-ICE by 2034, for airline operations, pilots and air traffic controllers to collaboratively establish a preferred flight trajectory through SWIM. Within the APAC region, the aviation industry has set a target to implement the new infrastructure and deploy SWIM by 2030.
4 In October 2023, the ANSPs from China, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed an agreement on the APAC TBO Pathfinder Project, to jointly define, develop, and demonstrate TBO for the APAC within four years. The APAC TBO Pathfinder Project will a) define the concept of operations and requirements for TBO in the APAC region; b) develop rules and procedures; and c) demonstrate processes and technical capabilities developed through laboratory simulations and live flight trials, which will help build confidence and encourage adoption. Since then, the ANSPs from Viet Nam and Hong Kong China have joined the APAC TBO Pathfinder project.
5 As a next step, the APAC TBO Pathfinder members will conduct a second regional laboratory demonstration in 2026 on the exchanges of information between the ground systems of ANSPs and the flight deck of the aircraft, to allow further adjustments of the flight trajectories in the air. The results of the laboratory demonstrations will support the development of a roadmap to realise TBO in the APAC region and serve as a pathway for TBO implementation globally.
6 Mr Ho Sy Tung, Deputy Director-General, VATM, said “It was a privilege to have the first FF-ICE laboratory demonstration of the APAC TBO Pathfinder project held at VATM. The implementation of TBO is expected to be in phases and VATM is excited to be on this TBO journey with our partners, to improve air traffic management efficiency in the Asia Pacific region.”
7 Mr. Surachai Nuprom, Acting President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI), said “Building on the success of the Multi-Regional TBO Demonstration in 2023, AEROTHAI is proud to help bring TBO closer to operational reality – this time, within our own Asia/Pacific region. We are encouraged to see increased participation from regional ANSPs, reflecting our collective commitment to advancing TBO implementation. This growing collaboration marks a significant milestone toward regional harmonization. AEROTHAI remains committed to deepening our partnerships and working closely with our regional stakeholders to ensure steady and coordinated progress on this important journey.”
8 Mr Avi Rianto Suratno, CEO of AirNav Indonesia, said “The APAC TBO Pathfinder exemplifies the spirit of collaboration across the region. For AirNav Indonesia, active participation in this initiative reflects our strategic commitment to enhancing global interoperability and advancing innovation in air navigation services. Through the APAC TBO Pathfinder initiative, AirNav Indonesia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air navigation across the APAC region. This collaboration enhances cross-border operational synergy and highlights Indonesia’s leadership in global airspace modernization and aviation excellence.”
9 Mr Ben Girard, Airways New Zealand General Manager Air Traffic Services, said “Supporting sustainable aviation is firmly integrated into Airways’ strategy. We are committed to championing a sustainable approach to airspace management, not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to help the industry lower fuel consumption and reduce costs, supporting its long-term objectives. Airways is proud to be working alongside airlines and our neighbouring ANSPs to advance our shared knowledge of TBO principles and support their adoption throughout the APAC region.”
10 Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said “The regional laboratory demonstration is significant because it underscores the shared commitment by eight air navigation service providers to work together to improve flight management in the Asia-Pacific region, reduce travel time, cost and carbon emissions, which will benefit airlines, passengers and the environment.”
11 Mr Tommy Au Yeung, Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Engineering Services) of Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said “The APAC TBO pathfinder project is instrumental to advancing ATM modernisation and enhancing air traffic efficiency in the APAC region. The CAD is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with the fellow regional ANSPs and participate in the project, including the FF-ICE laboratory demonstration held at VATM from 22 to 24 July 2025. The successful completion of the demonstration exemplifies the regional achievement made through our collective innovation and collaborative efforts. The CAD encourages more ANSPs to participate in the project as we continue to work closely together to shape the skies of tomorrow.”
12 Mr Yamashita Yuji, Director-General, Air Navigation Services Department of Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) said “Following MR-TBO, we are delighted to participate in the APAC Pathfinder project. In anticipation of further traffic growth in the APAC region, we intend to work steadily toward the realization of TBO in the future, collaborating with other regions as one of the ANSPs.”
About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg.
For media queries, please contact:
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg