ENR 1.9  AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT (ATFM) AND AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT

1  AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE, SERVICE AREA, SERVICE PROVIDED, LOCATION OF UNIT(S) AND HOURS OF OPERATION

1.1  Service area

The States of the ICAO Asia/Pacific Region within the Bay of Bengal, South Asia and Pakistan airspace have implemented an automated Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) service under the auspices of the ICAO Bay of Bengal ATS Coordination Group – ATFM Task Force.

1.2  Service provided
1.2.1 

ATFM services are provided by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand LTD (AEROTHAI) from the Bangkok Air Traffic Flow Management Unit (ATFMU) at Bangkok ACC. ATFM services will be limited to calculation, promulgation and management of mandatory Allocated Wheels Up Time (AWUT) and Kabul FIR flight level, ATS route and entry fix time for each affected flight.

1.2.2 

Viet Nam ATC retains responsibility for the tactical management of flights that are subject to ATFM. Viet Nam ATC will manage non-ATFM compliant flights using delayed push back and start clearances, non-preferred routes and/or flight levels, enroute holding and/or diversion around Kabul FIR.

1.2.3 

The ATFMU utilises the automated web based Bay of Bengal Cooperative ATFM System (BOBCAT) system in meeting its ATFM responsibilities. These responsibilities will be managed in coordination with aircraft operators and Viet Nam ATC in the Ha Noi FIR and Ho Chi Minh FIR concerned.

1.2.4 

The objectives of these ATFM services are to:

  1. Reduce ground and en-route delays;

  2. Maximise capacity and optimize the flow of air traffic within the area;

  3. Provide an informed choice of routing and flight level selection;

  4. Alleviate unplanned in-flight re-routing and technical stops; and

  5. Assist regional Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in planning for and managing future workload in the light of forecast increased traffic flows within the area.

1.3  Location of unit

The ATFMU may be contacted as follows:

Post:

Bangkok ATFMU

Telephone:   +66 2 2878024; +66 2 2878025;
+66 2 22878026

Fax:   +66 2 2878027; +66 2 2878026

AFS:   VTBBZDZX

Email:   atfmu@bobcat.aero

URL:   https://www.bobcat.aero

1.4  Hours of operation

The ATFMU operates on a 24 hour basis and is responsible for westbound flights entering the Kabul FIR at specified times, flight levels and ATS routes in accordance with paragraph 1.5.1 hereunder.

1.5  Remarks
1.5.1  ATFM affected ATS routes, flight levels and applicable hours
1.5.1.1 

All westbound flights intending to enter the Kabul FIR between 2000 to 2359 (UTC) daily on ATS routes:

  1. A466, L750, N644 from FL 280 to FL 390 inclusive;and

  2. G792/V390 from FL 310 to FL 390 inclusive; and

  3. B466 between SERKA and PAROD from FL 310 to FL 390 inclusive shall comply with the ATFM procedures including mandatory requirement for all flights to obtain a specific ATFM slot allocation from Bangkok ATFMU.

1.5.1.2 

Flights who plan to enter Kabul FIR without an AWUT and entry slot (comprising flight level, ATS route and entry fix time) will be accommodated only after flights with slots have been processed. Such flights should expect delayed push back and start clearances, non-preferred routes and/or flight levels, enroute holding and/or diversion around Kabul FIR.

1.5.1.3 

In order to ensure availability of slots for westbound departures from designated airports in northern India and Pakistan, departures from these airports are given priority for FL 280 in the slot allocation. This does not preclude these flights from requesting higher flight level with initial slot request.

1.5.2  Flights exempted from BOBCAT ATFM
1.5.2.1 

The following flights are exempted from this ATFM procedure:

  1. Humanitarian or medical flights;

  2. State aircraft with Head of State on board.

1.5.2.2 

Flights exempted from ATFM procedures shall indicate the exemption in their flight plan (Field 18 – STS-BOB ATFM EXMP).

1.5.2.3 

Viet Nam ARO(s) shall forward the flight plan information to the ATFMU at AFTN address VTBBZDZX.

1.5.3  Mandatory AWUT and KABUL FIR slot allocation
1.5.3.1 

Affected flights shall obtain the mandatory AWUT, Kabul FIR entry time, flight level and ATS route from the BOBCAT system. The AWUT and Kabul slot allocation will enable ANSPs to tactically control westbound flights transiting the Kabul FIR at specified times by assigning minimum spacing requirements at established gateway fix points in the vicinity of the eastern boundary of the Kabul FIR.

1.5.3.2 

The application, calculation and distribution of AWUT and Kabul FIR entry fix slot allocations will be managed via Internet access to the BOBCAT system in accordance with the ATFM operating procedures in paragraph 1.5.4.

1.5.4  BOBCAT Operating Procedures
1.5.4.1 

All affected flights are required to submit slot requests to the BOBCAT system by logging onto https://www.bobcat.aero between 0001 to 1200 (UTC) on day of flight and completing the electronic templates provided.

1.5.4.2 

Affected aircraft operators who do not have dedicated BOBCAT username/password access should complete the application form provided and fax it to the ATFMU as soon as possible.

1.5.4.3 Slot Allocation Process
1.5.4.3.1 The slot allocation process is divided into 3 phases, namely the slot request submission, initial slot allocation and finally slot distribution to aircraft operators and ANSPs.

Slot Request Submission

1.5.4.3.2 Slot requests including preferred ATS route, flight level and Maximum Acceptable Delay (MAD) should be lodged between 0001 to 1200 (UTC) on the day of flight. Slot requests may subsequently be amended prior to 1200 (UTC), which is the cut-off time. Aircraft operators are encouraged to submit additional slot request options in case their first choice is not available. This may include variations to ATS route, flight level and MAD.
1.5.4.3.3 Slot requests shall be for flight parameters that are able to be met by the flight. For example, flights requesting a slot at FL 390 must be able to transit Kabul FIR at FL 390. Flights subsequently unable to meet slot parameters (flight level, ATS route or entry fix time) should expect non-preferred routes and/or flight levels, enroute holding and/or diversion around Kabul FIR.
1.5.4.3.4 As BOBCAT will allocate FL 280 on a priority basis to facilitate departures from northern India and Pakistan underneath over-flying traffic, flights departing these airports are encouraged to include FL 280 as at least one slot request preference.
1.5.4.3.5 Flights that were not allocated a slot in the initial slot allocation, are not satisfied with the allocated slot or did not submit a slot request should select slots from the listing of remaining unallocated slots available immediately after slot distribution has been completed.

Slot Allocation and Distribution

1.5.4.3.6 Slot allocation will commence at the cut-off time at 1200 (UTC). BOBCAT will process and generate the slot allocation based on the information submitted in the slot requests. Notification of slot allocation will be made not later than 1230 (UTC) via the ATFMU website. Alternative arrangements for notification of slot distribution (e.g. E-mail, Fax, Telephone) should be coordinated with the ATFMU.
1.5.4.3.7 After the slot allocation has been published at https://www.bobcat.aero, aircraft operators can:

  1. Use the slot allocation result for ATS flight planning purposes;

  2. Cancel the allocated slot; and/or

  3. Change slot allocation to another available slot in the published list of unallocated slots.

1.5.4.3.8 Noi Bai ARO, Noi Bai TWR, Ha Noi ACC, Tan Son Nhat ARO, Tan Son Nhat TWR, Ho Chi Minh ACC can also view the slot allocation results at https://www.bobcat.aero.
1.5.4.4 Submission of ATS flight plan
1.5.4.4.1 Once aircraft operators are in receipt of the slot allocation, they shall submit the ATS flight plan using the time, ATS route and flight level parameters of the BOBCAT allocated slot.
1.5.4.4.2 In addition to normal AFTN addressees, operators should also address flight plan (FPL) and related ATS messages (e.g. DLA, CNL, CHG) to the ATFMU via AFTN address VTBBZDZX for all flights that have submitted a slot request.
1.5.5  Aircraft Operator/Pilot-in-command and ANSP Responsibilities
1.5.5.1 Aircraft Operator/Pilot-in-command
1.5.5.1.1 In accordance with ICAO PANS-ATM provisions, it is the responsibility of the Pilot-in-command (PIC) and the aircraft operator to ensure that the aircraft is ready to taxi in time to meet any required departure time. PIC shall be kept informed by their operators of the AWUT, Kabul FIR entry fix times and flight parameters (route/level) nominated by BOBCAT.
1.5.5.1.2 The PIC, in collaboration with ATC, shall arrange take-off as close as possible to the AWUT in order to meet the Kabul FIR slot time.
1.5.5.2 ANSPs
1.5.5.2.1 In accordance with ICAO PANS-ATM provisions, flights with an ATFM slot allocation should be given priority for take off to facilitate compliance with AWUT.
1.5.5.2.2 AWUT shall be included as part of the initial ATC clearance. In collaboration with PIC, Noi Bai ARO, Noi Bai TWR, Noi Bai APP, Ha Noi ACC, Tan Son Nhat ARO, Tan Son Nhat TWR, Tan Son Nhat APP, Ho Chi Minh ACC shall ensure that every opportunity and assistance is granted to a flight to meet AWUT and allocated entry fix times at Kabul FIR.
1.5.6  Coordination between Aircraft Operator/Pilot-in-command, ANSPS and BANGKOK ATFMU
1.5.6.1 

The PIC shall include the AWUT in the initial ATC clearance request.

1.5.6.2 

PIC shall adjust cruise flight to comply with slot parameters at the Kabul FIR entry fix, requesting appropriate ATC clearances including speed variations in accordance with published AIP requirements.

1.5.6.3 

Prior to departure, in circumstances where it becomes obvious that the Kabul slot time will not be met, a new slot allocation should be obtained as soon as possible and via the most expeditious means (e.g. via coordination between flight dispatcher, PIC, Noi Bai ARO, Tan Son Nhat ARO and Bangkok ATFMU). Early advice that the Kabul slot time will be missed also enables the slots so vacated to be efficiently reassigned to other flights.

1.5.6.4 

Prior to departure, in the event that the aircraft is unable to meet the Kabul slot time, when requested by the PIC after the aircraft has left the gate, Viet Nam ATC shall assist the PIC to coordinate with the ATFMU for a revised slot allocation.

1.5.6.5 

The ATFMU (VTBBZDZX) shall be included in the list of AFTN addressees for NOTAMs regarding any planned activities that may affect slot availability (e.g. reservation of airspace/ closure of airspace, non-availability of routes, etc).

1.5.6.6 

The ATFMU (VTBBZDZX) shall be included in the list of AFTN addressees for ATS messages (e.g. FPL, DEP, DLA, CHG, CNL) relating to flights subject to ATFM procedures.

1.5.6.7 

A missed slot results in dramatically increased coordination workload for ATC and PIC and should be avoided. To minimize coordination workload in obtaining a revised slot allocation, the following procedures are recommended:

  1. If the flight is still at the gate, coordination should take place via operators/flight dispatchers to ATFMU;

  2. If the flight has left the gate, coordination to ATFMU may also take place via the ATS unit presently communicating with the flight.

1.5.7  Basis Computer Requirement

Aircraft operators and Noi Bai ARO, Noi Bai TWR, Ha Noi ACC, Tan Son Nhat ARO, Tan Son Nhat TWR, Ho Chi Minh ACC are required to have computer equipment capable of connecting to the BOBCAT website https://www.bobcat.aero via the internet and satisfying the following minimum technical requirements:

  1. Processor: minimum CPU clock speed of 150 MHz;

  2. Operating System: Any that operates one of the following web browsers (i.e. Windows 2000/XP, Linux, Unix, or Mac OS);

  3. Web Browser: Internet Explorer 5.5 or newer, Mozilla 1.0 or newer, Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or newer, Netscape 7 or newer;

  4. RAM: 64 MB or larger (depending on operating system);

  5. Hard Disk Space: Minimum of 500 MB or larger (depending on operating system);

  6. Monitor Display Resolution: Minimum of 800 x 600 pixels; and

  7. Internet Connection: 56 Kbps Modem or faster.

1.5.8  ATFM Users Handbook
1.5.8.1 

Supporting documentation, including detailed information in respect of the ATFM operations described above another pertinent information has been included in the Bay of Bengal and South Asia ATFM Handbook (the “ATFM Users Handbook”), available at https://www.bobcat.aero

1.5.8.2 

ANSPs and aircraft operators shall ensure that they are conversant with and able to apply the relevant procedures described in the ATFM Users Handbook.

1.5.9  Contingency procedures
1.5.9.1 

In the event that an aircraft operator or Noi Bai ARO, Noi Bai TWR, Ha Noi ACC, Tan Son Nhat ARO, Tan Son Nhat TWR, Ho Chi Minh ACC is unable to access the ATFMU website, the ATFMU shall be contacted via the alternative means (telephone, fax, AFTN) described in paragraph 1.3.

1.5.9.2 

Contingency procedures for submission of slot request, including activation of Contingency Slot Request Templates (CSRT), are included in the ATFM Users Handbook.

1.5.9.3 

In the event of system failure of BOBCAT, ATFMU shall notify all parties concerned and advise that ATFM slot allocation procedures are suspended. In this event, all parties concerned will revert to the existing ATM procedures as applicable outside the daily period of ATFM metering.

1.5.10  ATFM system fault reporting
1.5.10.1 

An ATFM system fault is defined as a significant occurrence affecting an ATS unit, an aircraft operator or ATFMU resulting from the application of ATFM procedures.

1.5.10.2 

Aircraft operators and Noi Bai ARO, Noi Bai TWR, Ha Noi ACC, Tan Son Nhat ARO, Tan Son Nhat TWR, Ho Chi Minh ACC experiencing an ATFM system fault should complete an ATFM System Fault Report Form from the ATFM Users Handbook and forward it to the ATFMU at the address indicated on the form. The ATFMU will analyze all reports, make recommendations/suggestions as appropriate and provide feed back to the parties concerned to enable remedial action.

2  TYPES OF FLOW MESSAGES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FORMATS

 

3  LEVEL 2 MULTI-NODAL ATFM NETWORK

3.1  Introduction
3.1.1 

Vietnam’s participant as a Level 2 ATFM Node on Asia/Pacific Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network based on Ground Delay Program (GDP) through issuance of Calculated Take-off Time (CTOT).

3.1.2 

The Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network concept involves each ANSP leading and operating an independent, virtual ATFM node supported by interconnected information sharing framework. The flow of air traffic into constrained/congested resource (airspace or airport) will be managed based on a common set of agreed ATFM measures and principles among participating stakeholders. The primary ATFM measure used in this initiative is Ground Delay Program (GDP), where demand and capacity are balanced through adjustments in aircraft Calculated Landing Time (CLDT) and Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) distributed to aircraft prior to departures.

3.1.3 

An ATFM measure may be triggered when a Level 3 ANSPs determine that there will be a demand capacity imbalance situation at a particular ATM resource. The Level 3 ANSP will provide advance notification of an ATFM measure to be initiated and their effective period through the publication of ATFM Daily Plan (ADP) and / or NOTAM. The ADP will be issued via e-mail to stakeholders’ key point of contact.

4  INFORMATION ON OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT WITHIN FIR(s), DETAILS OF CIVIL/MILITARY AIRSPACE ALLOCATION AND MANAGEMENT COORDINATION, STRUCTURE OF MANAGEABLE AIRSPACE (ALLOCATION AND CHANGES TO ALLOCATION) AND GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES.

4.1  Provision of ATFM in Viet Nam
4.1.1 

The Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network adopts a tiered participation level approach for ATFM Nodes. Level 3 ATFM Nodes are those capable to generate, deliver, receive and comply with CTOTs, and include China, Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia.

4.1.2 

Vietnam is participating in ATFM Network as a Level 2 ATFM Node (starting from 23 April 2020) is to support the management of departures in compliance to CTOTs issued by Level 3 ATFM Nodes. In Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh FIR, Vietnam Air Traffic Flow Management Center (ATFMC) is responsible for implementing ATFM and monitoring the ATFM measures implementation.

4.1.3 

The following International Airports in Vietnam involve in Level 2 ATFM Node by way of receiving and facilitating the affected airlines compliance of CTOT:

STTCảng hàng không quốc tếÁp dụng
NumberInternational AirportImplementation
1 VVCI

Official

2 VVCR

Official

3 VVCT

Official

 

VVDL

Official

5VVPB

Official

6VVPQ

Official

7

VVVD

Official

8VVVH

Official

4.1.4  Exemption of flights from ATFM measure

  1. Aircraft in emergency situation; including aircraft which is subject to unlawful interference;

  2. Aircraft in search and rescue missions or fire fighting aircraft;

  3. Aircraft in VIP flights;

  4. Aircraft is carrying patient at risk;

  5. Other aircraft specifically identified by appropriate authorities.

4.1.5  Airspace user requirements

With effect from 23 April 2020 at 0000 UTC, flights departing from the airports specified in 4.1.3 to Level 3 ATFM Node airports and airspace, shall adhere to the following for accurate demand prediction and effective ATFM measure management:

4.1.5.1  Submit FPL not less than 3 hours prior to EOBT except where necessary for operational or technical reasons.
4.1.5.2 Submit CHG/DLA messages when EOBT changes by more than 15 minutes to submitted FPL.
4.1.5.3 Prompt submission of CNL messages.
4.1.5.4 Actively cooperation in CDM (web conference, chatting..) to provide input on ATFM measures and monitor ATFM Daily Plan (ADP) for ATFM alerts and receive ATFM information for operational planning. On the day of operations, when possible, Level 3 ATFMU will host web conferences to discuss the ATFM operations. Following the briefing, the conference room will remain open as a Help Desk to provide assistance and facilitate CTOT management for stakeholders. Consult the ADP or contact Vietnam ATFMC for information on the web conference address.
4.1.5.5 CTOTs will be distributed to stakeholders via web portal, e-mail, AFTN messages and telephone. Specific instructions to access CTOT information will be provided by Level 3 ATFM Units. If there is a problem accessing the information, contact Vietnam ATFMC for assistance.
4.1.5.6 ATC shall provide best assistance to ensure flights departing from the airports specified in 4.1.3 can depart within CTOT compliance window. Flight crew, for their part, shall plan their flights to be ready for pushback at an appropriate time such as take-off time will be within CTOT compliance window.
4.1.5.7 For flights with CTOTs departing from Noi Bai, Da Nang, Tan Son Nhat, Cat Bi, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc International Airports:

  1. Inform ATFMC of CTOT compliance right after CTOT receipt and plan the affected flights such that will be ready for start-up/pushback at appropriate time to comply with CTOT at the runway, considering taxi-out time.

  2. Request for revisions to CTOTs/ATFM slots when flights are expected to be unable to comply with the assigned CTOTs by contacting Vietnam ATFMC as soon as practicable. Vietnam ATFMC will coordinate with the ATFM unit initiating the ATFM measure on behalf of the Airspace Users accordingly.

  3. Provide feedback and information on ATFM operations in the Post-Ops Analysis effort. (The template of Post-Ops Analysis is provided in the website specified in 4.2.1).

4.2  Further information
4.2.1 

All stakeholders should access the website: https://atfm.vn/en/project/Level-2-ATFM-Procedures-In-Vietnam for further information.

4.2.2 

For queries, please timely contact Viet Nam ATFMC via the following address:

Post:

Viet Nam Air Traffic Flow Management Center (ATFMC)

Telephone:   +84 24 38271513 ext 8643

Fax:   +84 24 32127893

AFS:   VVVVZGZX/ AMHS: VVVVZDZX

Email:   atfmu@vatm.vn

5  AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT OPERATING PROCEDURES AT
LEVEL 3 IN VIET NAM
(FOLLOWING THE COMMON OPERATING PROCEDURES OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC CROSS-BORDER MULTI-NODAL AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT COLLABORATION) (AMNAC)

5.1  PURPOSE, SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY
5.1.1  Purpose

The implementation of the Multi-Node ATFM Level 3 Operating Procedures in Viet Nam aims to achieve harmonized and unified coordination among stakeholders for air traffic flow management in Viet Nam. This ensures compliance with Common Operating Procedures of AMNAC. Consequently, Viet Nam participation in AMNAC is significantly enhanced, facilitating seamless air traffic flow within Viet Nam and the broader region.

5.1.2  Scope

This document is applicable for all stakeholders involved in the Level 3 multi- nodal ATFM (indicative measure Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT)) for aircraft operating at Noi Bai, Da Nang, Tan Son Nhat Aerodromes.

5.1.3  Applicable subject

  1. Viet Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM): Viet Nam Air Traffic Flow Management Center, Northern Region Air Traffic Services Company, Middle Region Air Traffic Services Company, Southern Region Air Traffic Services Company, Viet Nam Aeronautical Information Centre, Aviation Meteorological Centre.

  2. Airlines (Operation Control Centers; Airline representatives); Flight plan procedure support enterprise; Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV); Van Don International Airport; other stakeholders participate in implementing this procedure.

5.1.4  Application condition

  1. Viet Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM), Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV), Airlines, Van Don International Airport, Flight plan procedure support enterprise shall ensure that relevant personnel understand the concept of ATFM operations and have a plan to support CTOT-enabled departures and coordinate with the Viet Nam Air Traffic Flow Management Center (ATFMC) for CTOT management.

  2. Ensure the following equipment system: Computer with internet connection; AFTN/AMHS terminal; Phone; Email; FAX.

5.2  PROVISION OF ATFM SERVICES IN VIET NAM
5.2.1  The departures to the following airports in Viet Nam will be applied CTOT issued by Viet Nam ATFMC:

  1. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN/VVNB);

  1. Da Nang International Airport (DAD/VVDN);

  1. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN/VVTS).

The application of ATFM measures, including CTOT, may be extended to other international airports in Viet Nam in the future.

5.2.2  Airlines responsibilities
Responsibilities

Descriptions

Flight schedule information

Where possible, advise ATFMU of changes to schedules prior to submission of FPL.

Special Circumstance Information

Where applicable, advise ATFMU of special or extenuating circumstances that would impact the ability to comply with CTOT measures.

Flight plan management (FPL)

Ensure timely submission of FPLs are filed at least 03 hours prior to30 before EOBT.

DLA/CHG messages

Submit DLA or CHG messages for delay of 15 minutes or more after EOBT (Do not update EOBT follow CTOT).

CDM Conference

Actively participate in CDM conference provide input on ATFM measures.

Monitoring ATFM alerts and receive the ATFM measure information

Monitor ATFM Daily Plan (ADP) for ATFM alerts and receive ATFM information for operational planning.

Critical Operational Concerns

Highlight significant operational issues during CDM conference.

Post-Ops Analysis

Provide feedback and information on ATFM operations in the Post-Ops Analysis effort.

Responsibilities for GDP Implementation

CTOT compliance management

Plan for affected flights in order to be get ready to start-up/ push back at appropriate time to comply with CTOT.

Slot revision/ Substitution Management

Request or implement the CTOT revision when the flights are unable to comply with assigned CTOT.

5.2.3  EXEMPTION OF FLIGHTS FROM ATFM MEASURES

The following flights may be exempted from applying ATFM measures:

  1. Flights experiencing an emergency, including aircraft subjected to unlawful interference;

  2. Flights in search and rescue or fire-fighting missions;

  3. VIP flights;

  4. Urgent medical evacuation flights with patient at risk;

  5. Other flights specifically identified by appropriate authorities.

Note:

  1. In case of urgent medical evacuation flights, the airline/airline representative is responsible for directly notifying ATFMC and taking responsibility for the accuracy of the information. The content of the notice should include: "The aircraft is carrying a patient who needs emergency treatment”.

5.3  Procedure for Ground Delay Program (GDP)
5.3.1  Submit FPL and send ATS messages

Stakeholders shall submit the draft FPL and send ATS messages (DLA, CHG, CNL, DEP) according to the following regulations:

Step 1: Submit draft FPL and CHG/DLA/CNL information

Operations Control Center (Airlines of Viet Nam); airline representative (Foreign Airlines); Flight Plan Procedure Supporting Enterprises:

  1. Submit FPL not less than 3 hours prior to EOBT except where necessary for operational or technical reasons.

  2. Submit CHG/DLA when the EOBT deviates from the originally filed flight plan by 15 minutes or more and CNL message for flight cancellation to relevant ARO’s unit.

Step 2: Send FPL message and ATS messages

ARO Unit:

  1. Send FPL at least 03 hours before EOBT;

  2. Promptly transmit CHG/DLA messages to relevant parties upon receiving CHG/DLA information from airlines (do not send a EOBT revision message as the result of CTOT);

  3. Send CNL message immediately upon receiving flight cancellation information from airlines;

  4. Send DEP message according to applicable regulations.

5.3.2  Online CDM conference

ATFMC will host recurring online local CDM conferences with stakeholders every Thursday at 0200 UTC and cases when there are extreme weather conditions, or when there is other information effecting the receiving capacity of Level 3 AD.

5.3.3  CTOT delivery, receipt and compliance

a. Procedure for CTOT delivery and receipt

Step 1: The announcement of the intention to apply ATFM measures (CTOT)

ATFMC will announce the plan to implement ATFM measures (CTOT) through the release of ADP which will be distributed via email to stakeholders.

Information released in ADP includes the following:

  1. Limitations and Impacts: Provides information about ATM resources with demand-capacity imbalances.

  2. ATFM measures: provide information about ATFM measures applied to address the imbalance noted in the Limitations and Impacts section.

  3. Related contents: provide information about possible situations affecting the operations of the air traffic controller or ATM capacity. This information is provided for situational awareness purposes.

In order to facilitate automated ADP processing, ADP is to be sent as a file attached to an email with the following specifications:

  1. E-Mail Subject: ADP_[FIR Name]_[Effective Date, yyyyymmdd]_[Version number]

  2. File Name: ADP_[FIR Name]_Effective Date, yyyymmdd]_[Version number]

    Example: ADP_VVNB_20241207_1

    See ATFM Daily Plan (ADP) Template and ATFM Alerts / Notification Message Templates for detail in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3

Step 2: Organization of online CDM conference

ATFMC will host an online CDM conference to clearly communicate information regarding the planned ATFM measures.

In cases where stakeholders are unable to participate in a specific online CDM conference, the ATFMC will send the conference outcomes to the relevant stakeholders.

Step 3: CTOT Generation and Dissemination

CTOT will be generated and disseminated to stakeholders by Viet Nam ATFMC through various channels at least 90 minutes before the EOBT of the associated flights. These channels may include web portal, AFTN/AMHS, telephone, or email to stakeholders.

Step 4: CTOT Receipt

Upon receiving a CTOT, stakeholders are responsible to confirm the receipt of the CTOT to Viet Nam ATFMC, Airline is responsible to inform the flight crew of their assigned CTOT to ensure flight planning and to comply with assigned CTOT.

Note: In some instances, due to communication issues, system outages, or last-minute CTOT modifications, CTOT may be distributed less than 90 minutes before EOBT. In these situations, CTOT compliance is not mandatory. However, airlines are encouraged to make every effort to comply with assigned CTOT whenever possible to contribute to overall network efficiency and maximize the effectiveness of ATFM measures.

See ATFM terminology used in GDP coordination and The ATFM terminology used in voice communication for detail in Appendix 4 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3.

b. CTOT Compliance Procedure:

Step 1: Determining CTOT compliance

Upon receiving a CTOT, stakeholders will assess their ability to comply. They will then notify Viet Nam ATFMC of their compliance status (compliant or non-compliant) via telephone or email.

Step 2: Cases where an aircraft can comply with CTOT

Upon receiving a CTOT, the airline will disseminate the assigned CTOT internally. Flight crews will request en-route clearances and push-back/start-up approvals, taking into account the taxi-out time to ensure adherence to the CTOT.

See CTOT compliance procedure for detail in Appendix 6 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3.

Step 3: CTOT Non-Compliance

  1. Upon receiving a CTOT, if anticipating non-compliance with the CTOT, stakeholders are responsible for promptly notifying the ATFMC of the reason(s). Upon receiving a CTOT revision request, the ATFMC will recommend a new CTOT and notify stakeholders at least 30 minutes before this new CTOT.

  2. Prior to engine start-up, if the flight crew anticipates non-compliance with the CTOT, they will notify the airline and request a CTOT change. The airline will then inform the ATFMC about the situation where the aircraft cannot comply with the CTOT, and request to change the CTOT (if possible).

  3. In case the aircraft has started up and taxied but cannot comply with CTOT due to operation, technique, weather, etc. The related TWR must notify the ATFMC immediately. ATFMC makes changes to CTOT (if possible) or the related TWR handling according to actual situations (the aircraft not complying with CTOT may have to hold when landing at the arrival airport).

See Procedure of changing CTOT request for detail in Appendix 7 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3.

5.3.4  Revision/cancellation of CTOT

  1. Revisions and cancellations of CTOT will be normally notified by Viet Nam ATFMU to stakeholders 45 minutes before the revised CTOT via web portal/email/ATFN/AMHS/Tel. However, in some exceptional circumstances, CTOT revision and cancellation may be notified after this time frame. Airline will base their decisions on the actual situation to determine the possibility of compliance/non-compliance with the revised CTOT.

  2. Upon revised CTOT receipt, the airlines inform the flight crew about the revised CTOT. The flight crew must comply with CTOT (See Procedure of revising CTOT request for detail in Appendix 8 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3)

  3. Upon cancelled CTOT receipt, airline should acknowledge receipt of the information to Viet Nam ATFMU. Flight can then proceed under normal operations (See Procedure of cancelling CTOT request for detail in Appendix 9 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3).

5.3.5  CTOT swapping
5.3.5.1  CTOT swaps are issued according to the following requirements:

  1. Two flights apply the same measure for designating the CTOT.

  2. A swap within the same aircraft operator is requested from its operation control center or the person responsible for the schedule and rotation of the of the aircraft.

  3. A swap between two different aircraft operators, given that both operation control centers of both aircraft operators (or the person responsible for the schedule and rotation of aircraft) agree.

  4. A swap between two different aircraft operators was requested by an air traffic controller at the departure airport for the purpose of departure management after the pilot-in-command of both flights agreed to do so.

5.3.5.2  The CTOT swapping procedure is implemented as follows:

  1. Flight crew/Airlines: Refer to the web portal of ATFMC to confirm the CTOT change appropriately (CTOT swap or open slot), issue a CTOT swap request, and send it to ATFMC.

  2. ATFMC will base their decision on the list of flights designated as CTOT to issue the CTOT swapping between two flights. ATFMC distributes the CTOT revision information after determining the revised CTOT for two flights, following the steps in Appendix 8: Procedure for Revising CTOT.

See Procedure of CTOT swapping (between two flights) CTOT swapping (to open slot) for detail in Appendix 10 and Appendix 11 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3.

5.3.6  CTOT compliance management

Stakeholders coordinate in order that the flight have the capability of CTOT compliance in the time window as follows:

  1. -5 /+10 minutes for designated CTOT in case the airport is restricted;

  2. -5/+5 minutes for designated CTOT in case the airspace is restricted.

5.3.7  Post Analysis

Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute feedback and information on ATFM operations to the Post-Operations Analysis process and send it to the TFMC when there are special cases before the 5th of every month. This feedback will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of ATFM measures and identify areas for improvement.

See Post-Operation analysis report template for detail in Appendix 13 as follow link: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3).

5.4   FUR OTHER INFORMATION
5.4.1  O Further information can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/atfm3
5.4.2 Communications

  1. Post: Viet Nam Air Traffic Flow Management Center

  2. Telephone/Fax: +84 24 32127893/ +84 24 38271513 ext 8643

  3. Email: atfmu@vatm.vnWeb Portal: https://www.atfm.vn/atfmportal, https://ctot.atfm.vnatfm.vatm.vn; https://atfm.vatm.vn/CTOTDistributor

  4. AFTN/AMHS: VVVVZDZX

  5. Helpdesk: +84 24 32127893 (24/7 Operations)