Asia-Pacific Region Conducts First Regional Laboratory Demonstration of Trajectory-Based Operations

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.”

For media queries, please contact:

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)

About the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI)
AEROTHAI, founded in 1948, is a State Enterprise under the Ministry of Transport, providing air navigation services for airline operations in all phases of flight within Thailand’s national airspace system. Its mission is to be the national air navigation service provider that not only meets airspace users’ safety and efficiency requirements but also fulfills national interests. Building on its expertise, AEROTHAI as well offers air navigation-related services such as aeronautical communication, flight validation, system calibration and maintenance to both national and international markets.

About the AirNav Indonesia
AirNav Indonesia is the sole provider of air navigation services in the Republic of Indonesia, committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable air traffic management. As a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Transportation, AirNav plays a critical role in supporting the nation's aviation growth while aligning with global standards and best practices. With a vision to become a world-class air navigation service provider, AirNav Indonesia continuously invests in innovation and cross-border collaboration to enhance regional and international airspace safety.

About the Airways New Zealand
Airways New Zealand provides air navigation services within New Zealand airspace, and across our Auckland Oceanic Flight Information Region – one of the largest airspace regions in the world. We are also responsible for maintaining and investing in the aviation infrastructure that supports New Zealand’s air traffic management system. Alongside our core business providing air traffic management services in New Zealand, Airways International delivers air traffic management consultancy, airspace design, and training products and services around the world.

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
The mission of 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.

About the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The mission of the FAA is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. As a global leader, the FAA works with international organizations to promote aviation safety and efficiency for the worldwide alignment of technologies, policies, regulations, and standards.  In collaboration with partners around the world, the FAA's work plays an essential role in resolving current challenges to global aviation and forging the future direction of the industry.

About the Civil Aviation Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (CAD)
The CAD is committed to a safe, efficient and sustainable air transport system. Apart from providing safe, orderly and efficient air traffic services to all aircraft operating at the Hong Kong International Airport and within the Hong Kong Flight Information Region, the CAD also serves as a regulator to oversee the safety and security standards of the civil aviation activities. The CAD actively utilises advanced aviation technologies for implementing various ICAO initiatives, strengthening international and regional collaboration and enhancing safety and efficiency in air navigation services.

About the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB)
JCAB is the civil aviation authority of Japan and a division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Today every activity concerning culture, society, and economy in our life is closely connected with active exchanges with foreign countries. Under these circumstances, civil aviation provides an essential means of transport, particularly for Japan, a country surrounded by sea, which makes it necessary to promote the smooth exchange of people and goods in order to stimulate the society and economy and to improve international competitiveness.

About the Viet Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM)
VATM is a Single Member Limited Liability Company operating in the form of parent company - subsidiaries with 100% State-owned charter capital, belonging to the Ministry of Construction (previously Ministry of Transport). VATM has been delegated by the Government of Viet Nam to provide air navigation services in the flight information regions (FIRs) of Viet Nam. Its main responsibility is to provide air navigation services for all civil and military aircrafts (as delegated) operating at airports across the nation, within the flight information regions under control of Vietnam and other airspace when authorized. These services include Air Traffic Services (air traffic control services, flight information services, advisory services and alerting services); Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Services; Aeronautical Information Services; Aeronautical Meteorological Services; Search and Rescue Services.