Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Operation & Implementation Seminar was held in Beijing from July 27 to 28. CAAC Deputy Administrator Li Jian attended the event and delivered a speech. He highlighted that the coordinated deployment by CAAC’s party group should be earnestly implemented, in order to be innovative and responsible, further accelerate the implementation of various tasks on ADS-B and make due contributions for building of China with a strong civil aviation industry.

Li Jian indicated that the comprehensive application and development of the new navigation technology of ADS-B represents not only an important measure taken by CAAC party group to boost “flying on double wings” (public transport aviation and general aviation), improve three networks (an airport network, route network and operational information monitoring network), and fill “four gaps” in airspace resources, civil aviation service quality, airworthiness certification capability and emergency rescue and response, but also a key pillar for building a civil aviation power.

In order to do a good job in ADS-B application, Li Jian made four requirements. First, we need to have a whole picture of the broad situation, study and weigh the situation, be aware of the significance of comprehensive application of ADS-B technology. To address the conflict between rapid growth of civil aviation transport and relatively low safety support capability, more scientific and technological innovations shall be made available, and new navigation technologies shall be applied in an in-depth manner. To give even better play to the leading role of scientific and technological innovation in enhancing safety, operational efficiency, economic benefits and management efficacy, it is necessary to fully recognize the significance of ADS-B for China’s civil aviation to deepen reform, address the bottleneck issues for development and realize sustained safety. Second, we need to align with international standards, tap the potentials and lay a good foundation for the application and development of ADS-B. Equal importance should be attached to both technological innovation from scratch and expansion from sporadic to widespread application. Technology’s benefits in safety and society shall be explored, to effectively improve operational efficacy and passengers’ travelling experience. Third, we should be bold in innovation and dare to take the responsibilities and ensure that application and development of ADS-B achieve tangible results. Hindrance in mindset, system and management shall be broken, for without destruction there is no construction. Meanwhile, it is necessary to be fault-tolerant, and create an environment of policies, standards and public opinions conducive for new technology application and development. Fourth, we should establish a joint interactive mechanism, and do a good job in the implementation of various ADS-B tasks in order to achieve established targets. CAAC, regional administrations, air traffic management entities, airlines and airports shall backward schedule their work based on such targets and further strengthen their project management.

ADS-B represents one of the new navigation technologies promoted by CAAC in recent years. On April 28, 2017, a demonstration flight of ADS-B IN was conducted at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. In this May, it was officially determined in the third meeting of CAAC New Technology Committee that ADS-B system will be put into full operation on July 1, 2019. In this year, construction of 308 ADS-B ground stations will be completed so as to realize a full coverage of airspace above 6 600 meters. The construction work of all data centers will be accomplished in 2018 which will be put into operation in 2019.

ADS-B constitutes a major surveillance technology proposed by ICAO. It combines advanced technologies such as satellite navigation, communications, airborne equipment and ground equipment and further enhances operational situation awareness of air traffic controllers and pilots, which will play a crucial role in improving operational safety, airspace capacity, operational efficiency, and operational control capability of airlines.

Topics covered in this seminar include the implementation plan of ADS-B in China, application progress, policies of operation and airworthiness approval, requirements and plans for airborne equipment modification, ADS-B development and its application in other countries, and airlines’ experience in ADS-B operation. Leaders, experts and relevant technicians from CAAC departments and bureaus, CAAC Air Traffic Management Bureau, CAAC regional administrations, transport airlines, colleges, scientific research institutes, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), Boeing, Airbus, THALES, Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, IATA, etc., also attended the seminar.