Fred MessinaBooz Allen Vice President Fred Messina presented “Synchronizing Change” at a recent gathering of over 100 aviation leaders from over 55 organizations and countries. The CANSO ATM/Aircraft Data Communications Policy Conference was held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and was organized by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) which represents the interests and priorities of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) worldwide. CANSO brought together experts across industry to shape the vision that will direct the implementation of data link communications.
Mr. Messina began by pointing out that it is generally agreed that digital data link is a keystone component of the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) and NextGen initiatives for improving air traffic management in Europe and the United States, respectively and that there are significant challenges involved with these initiatives. For example, there is no single technology that meets all “expected” future requirements. Future solutions also need to be flexible and scalable in order to support both air traffic services and airline operational communications. Mr Messina noted that knowing when to invest in these upgrades also presents a challenge.
There are a multitude of business case decisions needed in order to successfully implement SESAR & NextGen capabilities. “Each one of these decisions involves fundamental considerations, such as provisioning, equipage, training, implementation, operational incentives and benefits, financial incentives and benefits, and impact on competitiveness” said Messina. The payback period must be taken into consideration as well. There must be confidence in execution of these decisions and a firm commitment from all parties on these considerations, on performance measures and accounting for results. In working with stakeholders on these decisions, competing priorities become evident, and must also be evaluated in order for all to move forward with a concrete strategy.
Mr. Messina urged the delegation to think of the aviation industry as a “megacommunity” of interdependent stakeholders that need to work together to achieve the desired level of service. Overarching decisions need to be made that transcend individual stakeholders, but that cannot be to their detriment. Buy-in from all stakeholders is required.
So what is asked of stakeholders with ordinarily competing interests? Messina stated that “decisions to make changes in equipage must be synchronized so that the commitment to optimum benefits delivery is balanced with the need to maximize individual stakeholder ROI.” As a result, a societal level business case will emerge. This societal business case must be based on measureable, operational outcomes, appropriate financial incentives, realistic time schedules and rewards and penalties to ensure accountability. He concluded that this synchronization of change will ensure confidence, and will result in the needed commitment to achieve the best alignment of ANSP service offerings with aircraft capabilities.
