ENR 1.9  AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT (ATFM)

1  AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT (ATFM)

1.1 ATFM is a service to complement the safe, orderly and efficient delivery of Air Traffic Services (ATS) by regulating air traffic flow to match the prevailing capacity at a given airport or airspace. Through ATFM, airspace users (AUs) and ATS units (ATSUs) can be made aware of predicted delays so that timely adjustment to operations and flight schedules could be made accordingly. ATFM measure such as Ground Delay Programme (GDP), Minimum Departure Interval (MDI) and Miles- in-Trail (MIT) are some of the methods to achieve the objectives of ATFM as defined in ICAO’s Manual on Collaborative ATFM (Doc 9971).
1.2 For Singapore FIR, FIR and airspace where ATS is provided by Singapore (see ENR 2.1), ATFM services are provided by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) from the Singapore ATFM Unit (ATFMU) operating on a 24-hour basis. The services comprise the planning and implementation of ATFM measures to balance demand and capacity. The review of the effectiveness of ATFM measures are carried out through the conduct of post operation analysis. The implementation of ATFM measures will be coordinated with AUs and ATSUs through Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) processes and agreed operating procedures.

2  ATFM OPERATIONS FOR FLIGHTS ARRIVING AT SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT

2.1 Where necessary, ATFM measures will be applied for flights scheduled to arrive at Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS).
2.2 Flights departing from the following airports may be subjected to ATFM measures:
States/AdminstrationsAirport
CambodiaVDPP, VDSRVDSA, VDSV
ChinaZGGG, ZGSZ, ZJHK, ZJSY
Hong KongVHHH, VMMC
IndonesiaWIII, WADD, WARR
MalaysiaWBGG, WBGR, WBKK, WMKC, WMKI, WMKJ, WMKK, WMKL, WMKP, WMSA, WMKLWMSA
MyanmarVYMD, VYNT, VYYY
PhilippinesRPLL, RPLC, RPVM, RPSP
Republic of KoreaRKSI, RKSS, RKPK, RKPC, RKTN, RKNW
ThailandVTBS, VTSP, VTBD, VTBU, VTCC, VTCT, VTSB, VTSG, VTSM, VTSS, VTUD
VietnamVVTS, VVNB, VVDN, VVCI, VVCR, VVPQ, VVVD, VVVH, VVPB, VVCT, VVDL
2.3 When ATFM measures are applied, the Singapore ATFMU will assign Calculated Take-Off Times (CTOTs) to flights departing from the airports listed in paragraph 2.2 planning to arrive into Singapore Changi Airport.
2.4 AUs and ATSUs are advised to refer to the Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Portal to access CTOTs and/or other pertinent ATFM information via the Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS) Webpage, link provided: http://www.caas.gov.sg/e-services/air-traffic-flow-management
2.5 Compliance to CTOT during the ATFM operation is important, it contributes to the realisation of the ATFM plan. It would assist in the reduction of the need for tactical airborne delay, promoting a safer and more efficient operating environment for AOs and AUs.
2.6 All AUs planning to arrive into WSSS shall:
  1. a. file and submit FPLs at least 3 hours before the Estimated Off Block Time (EOBT);
  2. transmit the appropriate ATS messages (CHG / DLA) when the EOBT changes by more than 15 minutes; and
  3. transmit CNL message if the flight is cancelled after the submission of FPL.
  4. file and submit FPLs at least 3 hours before the Estimated Off Block Time (EOBT);
  5. transmit the appropriate ATS messages (CHG / DLA) when the EOBT changes by more than 15 minutes; and
  6. transmit CNL message if the flight is cancelled after the submission of FPL.

2.7 FPLs and ATS messages shall be addressed to WSJCZQZX.

3  ATFM OPERATIONS FOR FLIGHTS PLANNING TO OPERATE WITHIN THE SINGAPORE FIR AND AIRSPACE WHERE ATS IS PROVIDED BY SINGAPORE (SEE ENR 2.1)

3.1 The Singapore ATFMU may implement ATFM measures to facilitate ATC of flow restrictions originated by downstream ATSUs, with the aim to provide a higher level of predictability for AUs and affected upstream ATSUs when operating in the Singapore FIR. FIR and airspace where ATS is provided by Singapore (see ENR 2.1). For example, flow restriction on a given ATS route in a form of Minutes-in-trail MINIT at downstream segments would be converted into CTOT, and/or Calculated Time Over (CTO) at a given waypoint within the Singapore FIR.FIR and airspace where ATS is provided by Singapore (see ENR 2.1).
The Singapore ATFMU may implement ATFM measures to facilitate ATC of flow restrictions originated by downstream ATSUs, with the aim to provide a higher level of predictability for AUs and affected upstream ATSUs when operating in the Singapore FIR. For example, flow restriction on a given ATS route in a form of Minutes-in-trail MINIT at downstream segments would be converted into CTOT, and/or Calculated Time Over (CTO) at a given waypoint within the Singapore FIR.
3.2 Procedures for flight plan submission for such ATFM facilitation would be coordinated tactically by the Singapore ATFMU with AUs and affected upstream ATSUs. The transmit of the appropriate ATS messages would take reference from para 2.6 in the above.

Note: In general, Singapore ATFMU would request for FPL to be filed and submitted within 1 hour from the notification of the activation of ATFM measure.

3.3 FPLs and ATS messages should be addressed to WSJCZQZX.

4  SINGAPORE ATFMU CONTACT INFORMATION AND WEB CONFERENCE

4.1 When ATFM measure are implemented, Singapore ATFMU will open a CDM channel for AUs and affected ATSUs through an active web conferencing facilities and ATFM helpdesk thereafter to facilitate operational queries from AUs relating to the ATFM measure.
4.2 The contact details of the Singapore ATFMU are as follows:
Email: CAAS_ATFMU@caas.gov.sg
Phone: (+65) 62414143, (+65) 62414142
Fax: (+65) 62414034

5  BAY OF BENGAL COOPERATIVE ATFM (BOBCAT)

5.1  INTRODUCTION
5.1.1 The States BOBCAT service is provided by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand LTD (AEROTHAI) from the ICAO Asia/Pacific Region within the Bay of Bengal, South Asia and Pakistan airspace have implemented an automated Bangkok Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Unit (ATFMU) for westbound flights intending to transit Kabul FIR between 2000 UTC and 2359 UTC daily. The service under the auspices of the ICAO Bay of Bengal provided includes calculation, promulgation, and management of mandatory Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) and flight level, ATS Coordination Group - ATFM Task Force.route, and Calculated Time Over (CTO) at entry waypoint for entry into Kabul FIR for each affected flight.
BOBCAT service is provided by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand LTD (AEROTHAI) from the Bangkok Air Traffic Flow Management Unit (ATFMU) for westbound flights intending to transit Kabul FIR between 2000 UTC and 2359 UTC daily. The service provided includes calculation, promulgation, and management of mandatory Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) and flight level, ATS route, and Calculated Time Over (CTO) at entry waypoint for entry into Kabul FIR for each affected flight.
5.1.2 The Bangkok 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 5.2. The objectives of this ATFM service are to:
  1. Reduce ground and en-route delays;
  2. Maximise capacity and optimize the flow of air traffic through Kabul FIR;
  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 workload in handling increased air traffic flow through Kabul FIR.
5.1.3 Bangkok ATFMU utilises the automated, web-based BOBCAT in providing ATFM service in Kabul FIR. These responsibilities will be managed in coordination with airspace users and Singapore ATC in the Singapore FIR and airspace where ATS is provided by Singapore (see ENR 2.1).
  5.2 PROVISION OF ATFM SERVICES
5.2.1 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 Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) and Kabul FIR flight level, ATS route and Calculated Time-Over (CTO) entry waypoint for each affected flight.
5.2.2 Singapore ATC retains responsibility for the tactical management of flights that are subject to ATFM. In discharging tactical responsibilities, Singapore ATC will manage non-ATFM compliant flights using delayed pushback and start clearances, non-preferred routes and/or flight levels.
5.2.3 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 Singapore ATC in the Singapore FIR and airspace where ATS is provided by Singapore (see ENR 2.1).
5.2.4 The Bangkok 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 5.3. 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 through Kabul FIR;
  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 through Kabul FIR.
5.2  ATFM AFFECTED ATS ROUTES, FLIGHT LEVELS AND APPLICABLE HOURS
5.2.1 
All westbound flights intending to enter Kabul FIR between 2000UTC 2000 UTC and 2359UTC 2359 UTC daily on ATS routes and flight levels specified in the Table below shall comply with the BOBCAT ATFM procedure. procedures. This includes a mandatory requirement to for all flights to obtain ATFM a specific ATFM slot allocation - CTOT, CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint, allocated flight level and allocated ATS route from Bangkok ATFMU for entry into Kabul FIR.

Routing through the Kabul FIRMetering WaypointFlight Level
M875 – TAPIS – L509 - M875LAJAKFL280, FL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380, FL400
M875SITAXFL280, FL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380, FL400
N644DOBATFL280, FL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380, FL400
L750BIROSFL280, FL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380, FL400
P628ASLUMFL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380, FL400
N636 - P628UL333SERKAFL280, FL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, FL380, FL400

Note: Flight Levels availability may be subject to changes. Stakeholders may access the BOBCAT website for updated information.

5.2.2 Flights that plan to enter Kabul FIR without an ATFM slot allocation will be accommodated only after flights with slots have been processed. Such flights should expect delayed pushback and start clearances, non- preferred routes and/or flight levels, enroute holding and/or diversion around Kabul FIR.
5.2.3 The following flights are exempted from the ATFM procedures:BOBCAT procedures:

  1. Flights experiencing an emergency, including aircraft subjected to unlawful interference;
  2. Flights on search and rescue or rescue and firefighting missions;
  3. Urgent medical evacuation flights or humanitarian flights specifically declared by State medical authorities that flight delays would put the life of patients aboard at risk; and
  4. Flights with “Head of State” status.status; or
  5. Other flights specifically identified by State authorities.

NoteNote:: After medical flights have completed their mission, they should be subjected to ATFM measures. Scheduled passenger patient transfer flights are, by their nature, non-urgent and should not be given priority under normal operational situation.

5.2.4 Flights exempted from ATFM procedures shall indicate the exemption in their flight plan as follows:
(Field 18 - STS-BOB ATFM EXMP).
5.3  MANDATORY CTOT AND KABUL FIR SLOT ALLOCATION
5.3.1 Affected flights shall obtain the mandatory Kabul FIR slot allocation - CTOT, CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint, allocated flight level and allocated ATS route from the BOBCAT system. The CTOT and Kabul slot allocation Kabul FIR 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 specified FIR boundary waypoints of the eastern boundary of the Kabul FIR.Kabul FIR.
5.3.2 The application, calculation and distribution of CTOT and associated Kabul FIR entry waypoint slot allocations will be managed via internet access to the BOBCAT system in accordance with the ATFM BOBCAT operating procedures in paragraph 5.5.5.4.
5.4  BOBCAT OPERATING PROCEDURES
5.4.1 All affected flights are required to submit their slot requests to the BOBCAT system by logging onto https://www.bobcat.aero between 0100UTC 0000 UTC and 1159UTC 1159 UTC on the day of flight and completing the electronic templates provided.https://www.bobcat.aero between 0100UTC and 1159UTC on the day of flight and completing the electronic templates provided.
5.4.2 Stakeholders are able to view the slot allocation results at which will be published no later than 1230 UTC. Alternative arrangements Affected operators who do not have dedicated BOBCAT username/password access should contact Bangkok ATFMU for notification of slot distribution (e.g. e-mail, fax, telephone) should be coordinated with the Bangkok ATFMU.an account creation as soon as possible.https://www.bobcat.aero which will be published no later than 1230 UTC. Alternative arrangements for notification of slot distribution (e.g. e-mail, fax, telephone) should be coordinated with the Bangkok ATFMU.

Slot Allocation Process

5.4.3 AfterThe slot allocation is divided into 3 phases, namely, the slot allocation has been published at , request submission, initial slot allocation, and slot distribution to aircraft operators can:and ANSPs.
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;Slot Request Submission
    1. Includes preferred ATS routes, flight level and Maximum Delay (MAD). These should be lodged between 0000 UTC and 1159 UTC on the day of flight. Slot requests may subsequently be amended prior to the cut-off time of 1200 UTC. 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 MADs.
    2. Slot requests shall be for flight parameters that are able to be met by the flight. For example, flights requesting a slot at FL360 must be able to enter Kabul FIR at FL360. Flight subsequently unable to meet slot parameters (flight level, ATS route, or CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint) should expect non-preferred routes and/or flight levels, enroute holding and/or diversion around Kabul FIR.
    3. 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 Request Submission
  2. cancel the allocated slot; and / or
  3. change slot allocation to another available slot in the published list of unallocated slots.
  1. Slot Allocation and Distribution
    1. Slot allocation will commence at the cut-off time of 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 BOBCAT website and via AFTN using Slot Allocation Message (SAM) in accordance with the Asia/Pacific AFTN/AMHS-Based Interface Control Document.
    2. After the slot allocation has been published at https://www.bobcat.aero, airspace users can:
    3. Use the slot allocation result for ATS flight planning purposes;
    4. Cancel the allocated slot; and / or
    5. Change slot allocation to another available slot in the published list of unallocated slots.

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

5.5  SUBMISSION OF ATS FLIGHT PLAN
5.5.1 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.
5.5.2 In addition to the normal AFTN addressees, Singapore AIS will operators should also address the flight plan (FPL) and related ATS messages (e.g. DLA, CNL, CHG) to the Bangkok ATFMU via AFTN address VTBBZDZX for all flights that have submitted a slot request.
5.6  AIRCRAFT OPERATOR / PILOT-IN-COMMAND AND ANSP RESPONSIBILITIES
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR / PILOT-IN-COMMAND AND ANSP RESPONSIBILITIES

Aircraft Operator / Pilot-in-Command

5.6.1 In accordance with ICAO PANS-ATM provisions, it is the responsibility of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and the aircraft operator airspace user to ensure that the aircraft is ready to taxi in time to meet any required departure time. PIC shall be kept informed by their aircraft operators of the CTOT, CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint and flight parameters (route / (route, flight level) allocated by BOBCAT.
5.6.2 The PIC, in collaboration with ATC, shall arrange take-off as close as possible to the CTOT in order to meet the allocated CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint.
The PIC, in collaboration with ATC, shall arrange take-off as close as possible to the CTOT in order to meet the allocated CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint.
5.6.3 For flights with CTOTs from BOBCAT operating out of an A-CDM airport, where the CTOT is integrated into the A-CDM process, PIC is advised to comply with the local A-CDM procedures.

ANSPs

5.6.4 In accordance with ICAO PANS-ATM provisions, flights with an ATFM slot allocation should be given priority for take-off to facilitate compliance with the CTOT.
5.6.5 CTOT shall be included as part of the initial ATC clearance. In collaboration with PIC, Singapore ATC shall ensure that every opportunity and assistance is granted to a flight to meet the allocated CTOT and CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint.
CTOT shall be included as part of the initial ATC clearance. In collaboration with PIC, Singapore ATC shall ensure that every opportunity and assistance is granted to a flight to meet the allocated CTOT and CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint.
5.6.6 Singapore ATC retains responsibility for the tactical management of flights that are subjected to this ATFM measure. In discharging tactical responsibilities, Singapore ATC will manage non-ATFM compliant flights using delayed pushback and start clearances, non-preferred routes and/or flight level.
5.6.7 CTOT compliance window for facilitation of BOBCAT flights is defined to be -5/+10 minutes. As far as practicable, ATC shall manage flights to depart as close to the CTOT as possible.
5.7  COORDINATION BETWEEN AIRCRAFT OPERATOR / PILOT-IN-COMMAND, ANSPs AND BANGKOK ATFMU
5.7.1 The PIC shall include the CTOT in the initial ATC clearance request.
5.7.2 PIC shall adjust cruise flight to comply with slot parameters at the Kabul FIR entry waypoint, requesting appropriate ATC clearances including speed variations in accordance with the published AIP requirements.
5.7.3 Prior to departure, in circumstances where it becomes obvious that the allocated Kabul FIR entry waypoint slot parameters will not be met, a new slot allocation should be obtained as soon as possible and primarily via the most expeditious means (e.g. via coordination between aircraft operators / flight dispatcher, PIC, Singapore ATC and Bangkok ATFMU). dispatches. Early advice that the Kabul FIR slot parameters will be would be missed also enables the slots so vacated to be efficiently reassigned to other flights.
5.7.4 Prior to departure and after the aircraft has left the gate, in the event that the aircraft is unable to meet the Kabul FIR entry waypoint slot parameters, when requested by the PIC, Singapore ATC shall assist the PIC to coordinate with the Bangkok ATFMU for a revised slot allocation.
5.7.5 The Bangkok 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.).
5.7.6 The Bangkok 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.
5.7.4 A missed slot results in dramatically considerable increased coordination workload for ATC and PIC and should be avoided. To minimise 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 aircraft operators / flight dispatchers to Bangkok ATFMU;
  2. If the flight has left the gate, coordination to Bangkok ATFMU may also take place via the ATS unit presently communicating with the flight.
    If the flight has left the gate, coordination to Bangkok ATFMU may also take place via the ATS unit presently communicating with the flight.
5.7.5 The Bangkok 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.).
5.7.6 The Bangkok 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.
5.8  BASIC COMPUTER REQUIREMENTSYSTEM REQUIREMENT

5.8.1 Aircraft operators and Singapore ATC are required to have computer equipment a device capable of connecting to the BOBCAT website https://www.bobcat.aero via the internet and satisfying the internet, using the following minimum technical requirements:web browser software (supported with security patches): https://www.bobcat.aero via the internet and satisfying the following minimum technical requirements:

  1. A personal computer of any operating system with the following characteristics:Microsoft Edge version 129 or newer; or

    1. Processor: minimum CPU clock speed of 150MHz;
    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: 64MB or larger (depending on operating system);
    5. Hard Disk Space: minimum of 500MB or larger (depending on operating system);
    6. Monitor Display Resolution: minimum of 800 x 600 pixels; and
    7. Internet Connection: 56Kbps modem or faster.
  2. Google Chrome version 137 or newer; or
  3. Safari version 18.5 or newer
5.9  ATFM USERS HANDBOOK
5.9.1 Supporting documentation, including detailed information in respect of the ATFM operations described above and other 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
5.9.2 ANSPs and aircraft operators shall ensure that they are conversant with and able to apply the relevant procedures described in the ATFM Users Handbook.
5.10  CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES
5.10.1 In the event that an aircraft operator or Singapore ATC is unable to access the Bangkok ATFMU BOBCAT website, the Bangkok ATFMU shall be contacted via the alternative means (telephone, fax, AFTN) described in paragraph 5.13.5.12.
5.10.2 Contingency procedures for submission of slot request, including activation of Contingency Slot Request Templates (CSRT), are included in the ATFM Users Handbook.
5.10.3 In the event of BOBCAT system failure of BOBCAT, failure, Bangkok 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.
5.11  ATFMBOBCAT SYSTEM FAULT REPORTING
5.11.1 An ATFM system fault is defined as a significant occurrence affecting an ATS unit, an aircraft operator or Bangkok ATFMU resulting from the application of ATFM procedures.
5.11.2 Aircraft operators and Singapore ATC experiencing an ATFM system fault should complete an ATFM System Fault Report Form from the ATFM Users Handbook and forward it to the Bangkok ATFMU at the address indicated on the form. The Bangkok ATFMU will analyse all reports, make recommendations / suggestions as appropriate and provide feedback to the parties concerned to enable remedial action.
5.12  ADDRESS OF BANGKOK AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT UNIT (ATFMU) CONTACT INFORMATION
5.12.1 The Bangkok ATFMU may be contacted as follows: