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BIMT/4
Meeting Report
DRAFT REPORT
THE 4TH BANGLADESH – INDIA – MYANMAR – THAILAND
ATM COORDINATION GROUP MEETING (BIMT/4)
17-19 August 2016, Thailand -------------------------------------------------
Introduction
1 The Fourth Bangladesh – India – Myanmar – Thailand ATM Coordination Group
Meeting (BIMT/4) was held on 17 – 19 August 2016 at the Aetas Lumpini Hotel, Bangkok,
Thailand. The meeting was attended by 41 participants from ANSPs, regulators, airspace users,
as well as IATA and ICAO. The participant list along with their organizations can be found in
Attachment 1.
2 Mrs. Sirikes Niemloy, Vice President – Air Traffic Management, Aeronautical Radio
of Thailand, Ltd (AEROTHAI) presided as the chairperson for the meeting. She was assisted
by Mr. Suvichan Sthitgitpichead, Director of Network Operations ATM Centre, AEROTHAI
as moderator and acting chairperson when needed. In the opening speech, Mrs. Sirikes
welcomed all delegates to Bangkok and remarked that this multi-state coordination is a key
platform to discuss various pressing air traffic management issues in the sub-region and is an
important contribution toward the seamless and harmonized Asia-Pacific sky as envisioned in
the APAC Seamless ATM Plan. The topics to be discussed, ranging from route structure design
to ATM enhancement initiatives, are beneficial to the improvement of ATM operations among
the States present. Mrs. Sirikes thus wished the meeting to be a fruitful one and hoped that this
level of coordination between States will be continued for the years to come.
3 This Meeting Report summarizes key points agreed at the meeting and forms the basis
for further coordination to move forward with the implementation effort. Relevant documents
referred are attached to this report. Other related documents and presentations can be
downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/bimt-4-thailand.
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1
List of Attachments ................................................................................................................................. 2
List of Conclusions ................................................................................................................................... 3
List of Action Items ................................................................................................................................. 4
Agenda Item 1: Adoption of Agenda ...................................................................................................... 5
Agenda Item 2: Review of BIMT/3 Action Items ..................................................................................... 5
Agenda Item 3: Air Traffic Situation Update ........................................................................................... 5
Agenda Item 4: BIMT Collaborative Route Design .................................................................................. 7
Agenda Item 5: ATM Matters ............................................................................................................... 10
Agenda Item 6: Bi-Lateral Meetings ..................................................................................................... 19
Agenda Item 7: Future Direction .......................................................................................................... 23
Agenda Item 8: Any Other Business...................................................................................................... 23
Closing of the Meeting .......................................................................................................................... 24
List of Attachments
Attachment Number Detail
Attachment 1 List of Participants
Attachment 2 Table of Action Items
Attachment 3 Revised BOBCAT AIP/AIP Supplement Template
Attachment 4 Outcome of Multi-Lateral Meeting between MAAR, Bangladesh,
India, Myanmar, IATA and ICAO,
Attachment 5 Outcomes of Bi-Lateral Meeting between Bangladesh – India, and
Tri-Lateral Meeting between Bangladesh – India - Myanmar
Attachment 6 Outcome of Bi-Lateral Meeting between India – Myanmar
Attachment 7 Draft AIP Supplement on Operating Procedures for RNP10
Operations on ATS Routes L507, P646, N895, L524 and L301
Attachment 8 Rocket Launch Coordination Points of Contact
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List of Conclusions
Conclusion BIMT/4-1 – Air Traffic Situation Update for BIMT Meeting
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed that air traffic situation updates shall be added to the list of
Agenda Items to be discussed at all subsequent BIMT meetings. This will ensure that Member
States are kept aware of the air traffic demand situation in the sub-region and can
collaboratively discuss initiatives to handle the growing air traffic demand appropriately.
Conclusion BIMT/4-2 – Standard Operating Procedure for Diversion Management
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed to jointly develop Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on cross-
border Diversion Management to ensure safe and effective handling of aircraft diversions,
particularly those that transcends across FIR borders. This will be added to the list of Agenda
Items to be discussed at BIMT/5.
Conclusion BIMT/4-3 – BOBCAT Terminology Standardization
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed on the proposed change of BOBCAT terminologies to match
those of global ATFM standards, particularly introducing the use of Calculated Take-Off
Time (CTOT) in place of the existing Allocated Wheels-Up Time (AWUT) along with other
related terminologies. The meeting agreed to use either December 2016 or January 2017
AIRAC cycle as an effective date for the change.
Conclusion BIMT/4-4 – BIMT Surveillance Data Sharing
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed to focus more efforts on improving surveillance coverage in the
North Bay of Bengal through surveillance data sharing. As the first steps to that, the following
has been agreed:
India and Myanmar shall expedite their process of ADS-B data sharing; and
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar would consider surveillance data sharing between them
Conclusion BIMT/4-5 – Large Height Deviation (LHD) Online Reporting
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed with MAAR’s proposed online LHD reporting system, which will
also ensure LHD reports are automatically sent, at the time of submission, to all relevant ATS
units as well as MAAR and BOBASMA. The online reporting system is in the testing and fine-
tuning phase and should be ready by October 2016.
*Note: Bangkok ACC has a separate reporting coordination with MAAR, though the reports
will still be entered into the system
Conclusion BIMT/4-6 – Large Height Deviation (LHD) Coordination
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar agreed on an immediate coordination between the point of
contact and/or the watch supervisor on-duty, which shall be within 3 days from the date of
occurrence. Upon initial contact by the unit where the LHD occurred, the contacted unit shall
respond within 7 days to discuss the matter. Once an agreement is reached among the relevant
units, a formal LHD report will be submitted.
Conclusion BIMT/4-7 – Periodic Teleconferences on Resolving LHDs and Other ATS
Issues
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar agreed to hold periodic bi or tri-lateral teleconferences between
ATS authorities to discuss LHD occurrences and mitigation measures along with other ATS
issues.
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Conclusion BIMT/4-8 – BIMT Route Structure Development, Phase 1
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed on the implementation new RNAV ATS routes L524, M506 and
L877 route structures as shown in Figure 4 and Table 4 during Phase 1 of BIMT Route
Structure Development initiative. The target implementation date of these routes is 8
December 2016. Associated work plan (Table 5) for this implementation has been discussed
and will be followed accordingly.
Conclusion BIMT/4-9 – BIMT Route Structure Development, Phase 2
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed on the implementation of routes structures as shown in Figure 5
during Phase 2 of BIMT Route Structure Development initiative. Detail regarding these routes
and work plan will be discussed at the next BIMT meeting (BIMT/5).
List of Action Items
Action Item BIMT/4-1 – Air Traffic Situation Update
BIMT Member States will take the task of evaluating air traffic demand situation within their
respective FIRs and prepare the information to be presented at BIMT/5 meeting.
Action Item BIMT/4-2 – Development of Standard Operating Procedure for Diversion
Management
BIMT Member States and IATA will take the task of further assessing the occurrences of cross-
border diversions and prepare input to the discussion on this Agenda Item during BIMT/5
meeting.
Action Item BIMT/4-3 – BOBCAT Terminology Standardization
Thailand will take the task of coordinating with other States in the region involved with
BOBCAT ATFM operations to explore agreement to the terminology standardization and the
timeframe of December 2016 or January 2017 AIRAC cycle for such changes.
Action Item BIMT/4-4 – Bangladesh, India, Myanmar Surveillance Data Sharing Process
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar will initiate the process of surveillance data sharing and update
the status at BIMT/5 meeting.
Action Item BIMT/4-5 – LHD Online Reporting Instructional Package MAAR, upon completion of system tuning and testing, will send Member States an
instructional package on the new LHD Online Reporting System to help States familiarize
themselves with the platform, including a link to access the system for States to try out the
system.
Action Item BIMT/4-6 – LHD Coordination E-Mail Template India will provide a reporting template for the initial e-mail exchange between ATS units
regarding LHD occurrences.
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Agenda Item 1: Adoption of Agenda
1.1 The meeting reviewed and adopted the provisional agenda prepared by
AEROTHAI. Key discussions include air traffic situation update, collaborative route design,
ATM system implementation, ATS coordination, air traffic flow management (ATFM), AIDC,
surveillance data sharing, and safety reporting. There were also bi-lateral meetings organized
between State-pairs to discuss in-depth bi-lateral issues; outcomes from these side meetings
are also included in this report.
Agenda Item 2: Review of BIMT/3 Action Items
2.1 The meeting reviewed the 4 conclusions from the previous meeting (BIMT/3).
These conclusions are captured in BIMT/3 meeting report and also shown in this BIMT/4
meeting’s main presentation; both documents are downloadable from the link shown in the
Introduction above. The conclusions include matters related to PBN route structure design,
longitudinal separation at transfer of control points, airspace closure notification, and Large
Height Deviations (LHD) reporting. The meeting had no further feedback on conclusions
captured.
2.2 The meeting also reviewed the 6 action items from the previous meeting
(BIMT/3). These action items, along with additional ones generated from this meeting, are
captured in the Table of Action Items attached to this report (Attachment 2). As the 6 BIMT/3
action items are related to the various Agenda Items discussed at this meeting, they were
deliberated and concluded during their relevant discussions. The attached Table of Action
Items presents latest status of all Action Items following this BIMT/4 meeting.
Agenda Item 3: Air Traffic Situation Update
Thailand Air Traffic Situation Update
3.1 Thailand presented an update on air traffic demand within Bangkok FIR, which
has been seeing a steady growth over the years and a forecasted 7% average annual growth rate
for the next decade (FY 2016 – 2026). Majority of the growth is from a surge of traffic between
destinations in Thailand and China; however, traffic in other directions has also been rising
consistently. Of concern to the BIMT group is the western traffic which saw a 6% international
traffic growth over the past year.
3.2 With the steadily-rising air traffic demand, airspace sectors in Bangkok FIR are
beginning to face serious demand-capacity imbalance challenges. Similarly, major airports
such as VTBS, VTBD, VTCC, and VTSP are also seeing the same trend with ATS units at
those airports operating at or near maximum capacity during peak hours of the days. This
prompts AEROTHAI to initiate and engage in various capacity enhancement and traffic
demand management efforts including ATM system modernization and cross-border air traffic
flow management (ATFM) project.
3.3 Details of the traffic situation in Bangkok FIR can be found in the presentation
downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
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Myanmar Air Traffic Situation Update
3.4 Myanmar informed the meeting of the consistent growth in air traffic demand
no different from that seen by other Member States in the Asia-Pacific region. Within Yangon
FIR, military operations continue to present challenges to enhancing airspace capacity and the
Myanmar government is in the process of alleviating this problem.
3.5 Myanmar also informed the meeting of the plan to establish a new Yangon
International Airport (?) located approximately 60 kilometers north of the existing one. The
construction of this new airport is planned to commence by the end of 2016 and is planned to
be in operations by 2022, barring any unforeseen delays due to safety assessment process. It is
envisioned that the new airport will be used primarily for international traffic, while the
domestic traffic will continue to use the existing one.
India Air Traffic Situation Update
3.6 India presented an update on the PBN route structures in India, which currently
sees 43 international RNP10 routes along with a number of domestic PBN routes with
specifications ranging from RNP10 to RNAV5 as well as RNP2. Additionally, India also
informed the meeting of the newly finalized National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 (NCAP
2016) which aims to establish an integrated aviation eco-system leading to significant civil
aviation growth that can contribute to economic prosperity. The different focus areas in the
NCAP 2016 are detailed in the associated presentation.
3.7 Additionally, India has also been upgrading airspace around airports with hourly
traffic of 20 aircrafts or more to be Class C Airspace equipped with both primary and secondary
surveillance radar. Trial operation for this has been ongoing since 15 August 2016 at Chennai,
Hyderabad and Cochin TMAs.
3.8 India also informed the meeting of an agreement with Bangladesh to establish
5 new ATS routes between Kolkata and Dhaka FIRs. This is elaborated in detail in the Agenda
Item 4.
3.9 Details of the update provided can be found in the presentation downloadable
from the web link mentioned above.
Traffic Situation Update for Future Meetings
3.10 To enhance situational awareness on traffic demand within the sub-region, the
meeting moderator requested that air traffic demand situation update be given by each Member
State in the future BIMT meetings. The request was accepted by the meeting and is captured
here as Conclusion BIMT/4-1 and Action Item BIMT/4-1
Conclusion BIMT/4-1 – Air Traffic Situation Update for BIMT Meeting
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed that air traffic situation updates shall be added
to the list of Agenda Items to be discussed at all subsequent BIMT meetings.
This will ensure that Member States are kept aware of the air traffic demand
situation in the sub-region and can collaboratively discuss initiatives to
handle the growing air traffic demand appropriately.
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Action Item BIMT/4-1 – Air Traffic Situation Update
BIMT Member States will take the task of evaluating air traffic demand
situation within their respective FIRs and prepare the information to be
presented at BIMT/5 meeting.
Agenda Item 4: BIMT Collaborative Route Design
Bangladesh – Discussion Paper on Collaborative Route Design
4.1 Bangladesh presented a discussion paper on collaborative route design between
Bangladesh and India as a follow up on Action Item BIMT/3-1. Through bi-lateral
coordination, 5 new route structures over Dhaka FIR have been agreed and shown as follows:
Figure 1 - Route Structures Agreed by Bangladesh and India
4.2 Details of these routes will be discussed in the bi-lateral meeting between
Bangladesh and India during their bi-lateral meeting. .
4.3 Bangladesh also informed the meeting that, to support the collaborative
establishment of North Bay of Bengal ATS routes L507N (L507), L507S (M509), and P646,
CAA Bangladesh has coordinated with the military authority to realign the danger areas VGD-
31, VGD-32, VGD-33, VGD-34, and VGD-35 to ensure proper spacing between the areas and
ATS routes. The proposed areas and route structures are shown below:
Figure 2 - Proposed Realigned Danger Areas Bangladesh
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4.4 Due to the realignment of these danger areas, Bangladesh requested the meeting
to consider shifting a segment of the planned L507S (M509) and P646 to the south to ensure
separation from AREA-3, AREA-4, AREA-5 and AREA-6 shown in the figure. This would be
discussed further in their bi-lateral meeting.
4.5 The discussion paper with more information can be downloaded from the web
link mentioned above.
India – Information on Bangladesh Danger Area Activities in Kolkata FIR
4.6 India presented information from NOTAM A0173/16 issued by Bangladesh
regarding the Bangladesh Navy’s firing activities within the areas VGD-31, 32, 34 between
0000 – 1700 and 2200 – 2359 UTC in August 2016. The activities could present safety risk to
aircraft operating on ATS routes near those areas, as shown in the figure below:
Figure 3 - Danger Areas affected by Bangladesh Navy Activities
4.7 In light of these activities, India noted the importance of appropriate
coordination procedure with respect to activation, deactivation, and suspension of the activities
and the danger areas between relevant authorities, e.g. in the case of Bangladesh Navy the
coordination procedure between Bangladesh Navy and Kolkata ACC should be in place. In
addition, proper vertical segregation of the danger areas should also be provided in lieu of
blanket airspace closures.
4.8 India also proposed for the establishment of L507N (L507), L507S (M509), and
P646 to remain pending subjecting to proper development of danger area coordination
procedures aforementioned.
Myanmar – Route Structure in the North Bay of Bengal: BIMT Route Structure
4.9 Myanmar presented information on the historical progress for implementation
of new BIMT route structures spanning Bangkok, Yangon, Kolkata, and Dhaka FIRs including
establishment of new RNAV ATS routes L524 and M509. M509 was pending after safety
assessment while L524 was agreed to be implemented. PfA to BANP of L524 was sent to
ICAO APAC by AAI. (to be elaborated by Thailand in subsequent section).
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4.10 Myanmar informed that, due to the recent transition from 2-sector to 4-sector
operations in May 2016 (to be discussed during Agenda Item 5.1), Myanmar is facing
challenges in changing route structures and will thus need to adopt phased approach to route
structure implementation. The proposal called for implementation of L524, M506, and L877
first before implementing other routes such as L507S (M509) subsequently. For the first phase
of implementation, Myanmar proposed AIRAC cycle of 8 December 2016 as effective date.
4.11 Detailed information provided by Myanmar can be found in the presentation
downloadable from the web link mentioned above. Additionally, Myanmar would conduct bi-
lateral meeting with Thailand to discuss other issues pertaining to route development and
operating procedures.
Thailand – Route Structure in the North Bay of Bengal: BIMT Route Structure
4.12 Following the discussion and agreement in BIMT/3 and taking into account
readiness of Member States; Thailand proposed a phased implementation for the different route
structures, with a focus on L524, M506, and L877 in the first phase as shown below:
Figure 4 - L524, M506, L877 Routes
4.13 For these flights, the proposed directions are as follows:
Routes Waypoints Conditions
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L524 NAGPUR –
KAMKO – BKK
- Eastbound traffic (east of KAMKO)
- Bi-directional (west of KAMKO)
M506 DWI – KAMKO Westbound traffic to join L524 after KAMKO
L877 DWI – MIGAR Eastbound traffic on L301, P762, M502 with
VTBD, VTBS as destination Table 1 - Thailand's Proposal for Route Structure
4.14 In agreement to Myanmar’s proposal of 8 December 2016 as effective date for
the first phase of implementation, Thailand also proposed a revised work plan as detailed in
the presentation.
4.15 Following the implementation of L524, M506, L877 in the first phase, the
second phase of BIMT route structure development can focus on realignment L507, P646 and
N895 and implementation of M509 appropriately.
Conclusion on BIMT Route Structure Development
4.16 Due to the various issues surrounding route structure development, the
discussions were taken forward to be conducted between various Member States during
Agenda Item 6 – Bi-Lateral Meetings. The conclusions on BIMT Route Structure Development
are recorded under that Agenda Item.
Agenda Item 5: ATM Matters
Agenda Item 5.1 – ATM System Implementation
VHF and Surveillance Redundancy in Kolkata FIR
5.1 India presented information on the surveillance coverage within Kolkata FIR
provided by 9 RADAR and 8 ADS-B stations. The system comes with 3 redundant layers as
described in the given presentation to ensure coverage for 7 ACC sectors and part of 1 Oceanic
sector.
5.2 India also presented information on the VHF communication coverage and
redundancy systems within Kolkata FIR, with 23 frequencies in service. Technical description
of the system in included in the given presentation.
5.3 Details of the information can be found in the presentation downloadable from
the web link mentioned above.
Re-Sectorization of Yangon FIR
5.4 Myanmar presented information on Yangon ACC re-sectorization to handle
increasing traffic demand and heavy ATC workload especially during peak hours. Prior to May
2016, Yangon ACC had been operating in a 2-sector configuration which proved inadequate
for the traffic demand. Thus Myanmar embarked on a project to introduce 4-sector operation
along with the ATM system upgrade, with the help from ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Sub-
Office (ICAO RSO).
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5.5 Since 26 May 2016, Yangon ACC transitioned to the 4-sector operation with
the upgraded TopSky ATM System as the backbone. The transition helped ease ATC’s
workload significantly which in turn aid in the reduction of Large Height Deviations (LHDs)
due to coordination errors.
5.6 The remaining issue, however, is the needs for more ATCs to staff the new
positions. Myanmar is in the process of recruiting and training new ATCs, while transferring
some ATCs from domestic towers to ACC sectors. The training of new ATCs has been done
in-house using a simulator to ensure ATCs are familiar with the new sector configurations.
5.7 Details of the new sector information can be found in the presentation
downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
Thailand Modernization CNS/ATM System (TMCS) Project
5.8 Thailand presented progress update from the Thailand Modernization
CNS/ATM System (TMCS) project, a project to transition the ATM system country-wide to
the upgraded TopSky ATM System in order to improve the quality of service and ensure
capability to handle the ever-increasing air traffic demand. The new ATM system will
introduce several new features and operational concept to Thailand’s air traffic service
provision. These new features include, inter alia:
Integration with air traffic flow management provision;
Stripless operations in the ACCs and electronic strip operations in the
TWRs;
AIDC;
Enhanced safety net and improved conflict detection and alert
Electronic pre-departure clearance (PDC) delivery; and
Multi-Surveillance Sensor Processing capability
5.9 The transition process is planned for 2017 – 2018 timeframe and is divided into
3 phases – Shadowing, Ghosting, and Monitoring – with detail as follows:
Transition Phase Description Planned Timeframe
Shadowing
New system is used in the background
while current system is used in traffic
service provision
Beginning April 2017
Ghosting
New system is used in traffic service
provision while current system remains
on standby and ready for operations if
needed
October 2017 – August 2018
Monitoring
New system is fully used in traffic
service provision nationwide while
being monitored to ensure smooth
operations
Mid-2018 onward
Table 2 - Thailand TMCS Transition Phases
5.10 Details of this transition plan can be found in the presentation downloadable
from the web link mentioned above.
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Agenda Item 5.2 – ATS Coordination
Ground – Ground Communication Difficulty
5.11 Thailand informed the meeting of ATS coordination challenge faced during the
early days of Myanmar’s transition to 4-sector operations in Yangon FIR. Specifically,
Bangkok ACC had difficulty establishing ground-ground voice connection with the new
Yangon Sector 3 at the transfer of control point BETNO, resulting in coordination workload
and delay. The issue has since been resolved through coordination between Thailand and
Myanmar accordingly.
Diversion Management
5.12 Another issue faced recently was that of aircraft diversion, whereby; on 7
August 2016, 1 of 2 flights destined for VYYY had diverted to VTCC due to adverse weather
without prior coordination between Yangon ACC and Bangkok ACC. This resulted in ATC
confusion and needs to handle unplanned traffic. On this matter, Myanmar informed that 7
August 2016 saw a large thunderstorm cell over Yangon FIR resulting in several airport
closures and heavy ATC workload that could lead to a lapse in proper ATC-ATC coordination.
In any case, Myanmar agreed to investigate the case further and to put in place proper
mitigation measure.
5.13 On a similar note, Bangladesh also informed the meeting of an occurrence
where 6 aircrafts had diverted from Kolkata FIR into Dhaka FIR to avoid adverse weather
without prior coordination between the ACCs.
5.14 The meeting moderator also cautioned the meeting to note that a lapse in proper
coordination such as the cases discussed could result in air defense response and an unfortunate
case such as that faced by Malaysia Airlines MH17. It is therefore of utmost importance that a
proper coordination procedure be put in place to prevent such incidents.
5.15 To mitigate such occurrences, IATA requested that BIMT takes on the task of
developing joint Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding Diversion Management. The
meeting agreed to the request and planned to discuss in-depth as another Agenda Item at the
next BIMT meeting. In the meantime, Member States would assess the cases discussed further
and prepared information or proposal to discuss at the next meeting appropriately. This has
been captured as Conclusion BIMT/4-4 and associated Action Item BIMT/4-2.
Conclusion BIMT/4-2 – Standard Operating Procedure for Diversion
Management
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed to jointly develop Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP) on cross-border Diversion Management to ensure safe and effective
handling of aircraft diversions, particularly those that transcends across FIR
borders. This will be added to the list of Agenda Items to be discussed at
BIMT/5.
Action Item BIMT/4-2 – Development of Standard Operating Procedure for
Diversion Management
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BIMT Member States and IATA will take the task of further assessing the
occurrences of cross-border diversions and prepare input to the discussion
on this Agenda Item during BIMT/5 meeting.
Agenda Item 5.3 – Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM)
BOBCAT Terminology Standardization and Operational Revision
5.16 Thailand presented a proposal to standardize ATFM terminologies used for
BOBCAT ATFM operations so as to ensure alignment with global ATFM standards. The issue
was initially raised during the 6th ICAO ATFM Steering Group Meeting (ATFM/SG/6),
whereby the meeting agreed that terminologies used in ATFM operations and initiatives within
Asia-Pacific should follow those defined in the Asia-Pacific Regional Framework for
Collaborative ATFM and ICAO Manual on Collaborative ATFM (Doc 9971). This will ensure
that all relevant personnel have the same understanding of terminologies regardless of the
origin of ATFM programs.
5.17 In this regard, Thailand had taken on a task to standardize terminologies used
for BOBCAT ATFM operations, specifically the introduction the following:
New Terminology Old Terminology Definition
CTOT AWUT Calculated Take-Off Time
CTO ETO Calculated Time-Over
(Waypoint)
Kabul FIR Slot Allocation
Allocated slot parameters
including:
- CTOT
- CTO at Kabul FIR
entry waypoint
- Allocated FL
- Allocated ATS route Table 3 - New BOBCAT Terminologies
5.18 To affect the change accordingly, Thailand proposed the joint revision of AIP
or AIP Supplement relevant to BOBCAT operations. The proposed revised template is attached
to this meeting report as Attachment 3. Accordingly, Thailand requested the meeting to
consider appropriate AIRAC cycle for which the revised AIP / AIP Supplement shall be made
effective and operations with revised terminologies commenced. The meeting agreed on using
either the December 2016 (8 December 2016) or January 2017 (5 January 2017) AIRAC cycle
to allow time for all relevant States to process their AIP revisions accordingly. Thailand agreed
to take the decision of the meeting and coordinate further with other States involved to ensure
the timing is acceptable. This is captured in Conclusion BIMT/4-5 and associated Action Item
BIMT/4-3
Conclusion BIMT/4-3 – BOBCAT Terminology Standardization
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed on the proposed change of BOBCAT
terminologies to match those of global ATFM standards, particularly
introducing the use of Calculated Take-Off Time (CTOT) in place of the
existing Allocated Wheels-Up Time (AWUT) along with other related
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terminologies. The meeting agreed to use either December 2016 or January
2017 AIRAC cycle as an effective date for the change.
Action Item BIMT/4-3 – BOBCAT Terminology Standardization
Thailand will take the task of coordinating with other States in the region
involved with BOBCAT ATFM operations to explore agreement to the
terminology standardization and the timeframe of December 2016 or January
2017 AIRAC cycle for such changes.
5.19 In addition to standardization of terminologies, Thailand also proposed the
meeting to consider adjusting CTOT compliance window to allow for greater flexibility on the
part of departure ATS units and airspace users, taking into account aircraft’s ability to adjust
speed and time while enroute to ensure compliance with CTO at Kabul FIR entry waypoint.
The meeting was in agreement with the concept and Thailand would take the discussion further
with other relevant States in the region to explore this change.
5.20 Details of Thailand’s proposal, including proposed table of variable CTOT
compliance window, can be found in the presentation downloadable from the web link
mentioned above.
Collaborative Air Traffic Flow Management Over SAMAR (CATOS)
5.21 India presented information on the newly developed Collaborative ATFM Over
SAMAR (CATOS), an ATFM system to regulate westbound flights overflying SAMAR
waypoint at the Delhi – Lahore FIR boundary between 0700 – 1100 UTC. SAMAR waypoint
is a point of congestion for India because of (1) transfer flight level restriction with Pakistan
(FL300 or above) for flights on N644, (2) converging traffic on A466 and M890, and (3)
aircraft’s climb performance particular those departing from Delhi Airport (VIDP). This
congestion occurs mostly between 0700 – 1100 UTC of each day, outside of BOBCAT ATFM
operations window, and prompted India to begin the development of CATOS.
5.22 CATOS works similarly to BOBCAT by assigning SAMAR slots – Calculated
Time Over SAMAR (CTO SAMAR) and assigned FL – to flights intending to overfly the
waypoint during the affected period. These slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served
basis and airspace users have the ability to request to reserve preferred slots up to 4 hours prior
to their Estimated Time Over SAMAR.
5.23 Details of CATOS, including its features and sample screenshots, can be found
in the presentation downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
5.24 IATA remarked that any ATFM initiatives to be introduced in the region should
incorporate airspace users and relevant ANSPs’ input and feedback. Additionally, all initiatives
should be aligned with the regional direction of cross-border ATFM and proper discussions
between stakeholders should be ensured at appropriate meetings.
Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Operational Trial Project Progress
5.25 Thailand, as a core project member in the initiative, presented updates from the
Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Operational Trial project; a collaborative project among
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several States / Administrations in Asia-Pacific to trial and implement a new concept of cross-
border ATFM in the region. The project stemmed from the needs to handle fast-growing
demand of air traffic within Asia-Pacific and the geopolitical landscape that requires the region
to implement cross-border ATFM in the absence of a central ATFM authority. The concept
explored and subsequently endorsed was that of a Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM Network,
which accords flexibility and freedom to States in managing their own demand-capacity
balance while ensuring that they are guided by the same ATFM principles and operational
procedures, supported by region-wide interconnected network of information-sharing
protocols. This concept has since been endorsed as a viable solution for cross-border ATFM in
Asia-Pacific and included in the Asia-Pacific Regional Framework for Collaborative ATFM
by APANPIRG.
5.26 The Operational Trial project to develop and validate the operational procedure
for the concept has been ongoing since June 2015, with the first phase focusing on addressing
demand-capacity balancing at constrained arrival airports through departure Ground Delay
Program (GDP) with provision of CTOT. Details of the work in this phase were provided to
the meeting in the given presentation.
5.27 The project is now at the last stage in the first phase (Stage 3 – Limited-Scope
Operational Service) with a focus on methodically introducing the procedures in operational
environment with capacity-limiting situations, beginning with planned events such as special
airspace closure and planned subsequent expansion to include unplanned events. The first of
such events was the Singapore National Day Parade 2016 (NDP16) where CTOTs were issued
to international flights to regulate traffic flow into WSSS while the airport and airspace closure
was in effect due to aerial activities for the occasion.
5.28 The activities during Singapore NDP16 went smoothly, and post-operations
analysis will be conducted among core project members in the upcoming meeting late August
2016. Lessons learned will be used in the continuation of the project and will be updated to
States / Administrations in the region periodically at various occasions including BIMT
meetings.
5.29 Details of the project concept and progress can be found in the presentation
downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
5.30 IATA remarked again that ATFM initiatives in the region should ensure
involvement of stakeholders including airspace users and should also be aligned and
harmonized throughout the region. IATA also suggested that BIMT States explore viability of
embarking on cross-border ATFM similar to that of the Distributed Multi-Nodal ATFM
Operational Trial. To this point, Thailand remarked that the Multi-Nodal ATFM Network
concept is scalable and the project has plan to widen the scope to include other States in Asia-
Pacific progressively, and in-depth discussion in ATFM should be taken up at appropriate
meetings such as the ICAO ATFM/SG.
5.31 India also informed the meeting of the C-ATFM project which is an initiative
to introduce centralized ATFM operations in Indian airspace. The project is progressing in a
similar manner to that of the Multi-Nodal and has plans to ensure alignment and harmonization
in the future.
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Agenda Item 5.4 – AIDC Operationalization
Thailand AIDC Implementation Update
5.32 Thailand presented updates from the ATS Inter-Facility Data Communication
(AIDC) Implementation initiative. The initiative arose from the needs to handle ever-increasing
traffic demand in and out of Bangkok FIR through reduction of longitudinal separation between
consecutive aircrafts at the transfer of control points with neighboring FIRs. This requires
efficient, preferably automated, flight information coordination with adjacent ACCs. In this
regard, Thailand has initiated a plan to implement AIDC message exchange with all 4
neighboring ACCs (Vientiane, Yangon, Phnom Penh, and Kuala Lumpur) with target
completion timeframe of 2018, prior to country-wide transition to the new ATM system.
5.33 Currently, Thailand is in the first phase of the implementation plan – the
connection test with adjacent units. Of concern to BIMT is the planned connection test between
Bangkok ACC and Yangon ACC (Thailand and Myanmar) due to start in September 2016.
Following successful completion of the connection test, interoperability test which includes
defining and testing different message sets will be commenced. This step has been ongoing
between Thailand – Cambodia and Thailand – Lao PDR.
5.34 Subsequent to the first 2 phases, pre-operation testing and operational trial will
be conducted throughout 2017 with target completion and LOA review planned for the first
quarter of 2017.
5.35 Details of Thailand AIDC Implementation Plan along with the timeline can be
found in the presentation downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
5.36 India cautioned that attention should be paid to potential problems arising from
route truncation by the flight plan processor, which may be difficult to detect during the
interoperability test as India also faced the same problem. Additionally, India also requested
that Thailand provide detailed analysis of the interoperability test cases at the next opportunity.
Thailand noted the request and informed that the interoperability test is still ongoing with more
data to be gathered in the upcoming months.
Agenda Item 5.5 – ADS-B Data Sharing
Myanmar ADS-B Implementation Status
5.37 Myanmar presented the progress of ADS-B implementation within Yangon
FIR. The project has been ongoing since 2013 with 5 ADS-B ground stations installed in
Sittwe, Co Co Island, Yangon, Mandalay, and Myeik. Data from these stations, except that
from Co Co Island, have been integrated into the Controller Working Positions with the
upgraded TopSky ATM System since April 2016. Integration with data from Co Co Island
station is still in progress due to unreliability of electrical power on the island which renders
the data unstable.
5.38 ADS-B data sharing agreement between Myanmar and India has also been
signed in May 2015 and can proceed, subjecting to availability of infrastructure.
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5.39 Details of Myanmar ADS-B implementation status can be found in the
presentation downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
Bangladesh ADS-B Implementation Status
5.40 Bangladesh informed the meeting that there are still issues relating to CNS
systems in the country and thus delaying the process of ADS-B implementation. However, the
installation is planned to begin in 3 – 4 months, with a period of 18 – 24 months required for
completion.
5.41 India suggested that ADS-B data sharing agreement process between India and
Bangladesh should be initiated now to ensure that when ADS-B stations are fully installed in
Bangladesh, the data sharing can proceed immediately. Bangladesh noted the suggestion and
agreed to discuss during the bi-lateral side meeting.
Surveillance Data Sharing among BIMT States
5.42 Following the updates of ADS-B implementation from different States, India
proposed that the meeting adopt a conclusion and an action item to ensure that Member States
focus more efforts on improving surveillance coverage in the North Bay of Bengal region
through data sharing. The meeting was in agreement and this was captured as Conclusion
BIMT/4-6 and Action Item BIMT/4-4.
Conclusion BIMT/4-4 – BIMT Surveillance Data Sharing
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed to focus more efforts on improving surveillance
coverage in the North Bay of Bengal through surveillance data sharing. As
the first steps to that, the following has been agreed:
India and Myanmar shall expedite their process of ADS-B data
sharing; and
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar would consider surveillance data
sharing between them
Action Item BIMT/4-4 – Bangladesh, India, Myanmar Surveillance Data
Sharing Process
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar will initiate the process of surveillance data
sharing and update the status at BIMT/5 meeting.
Agenda Item 5.6 – Large Height Deviations (LHD) Hotspots, Action Plan and Reporting
MAAR Report on LHDs
5.43 Monitoring Agency for Asia Region (MAAR) reported to the meeting on
situations of Large Height Deviations (LHDs), defined as a vertical deviation of 90 meters /
300 feet or more from the assigned flight level, near the interface between Kolkata, Yangon,
and Dhaka FIRs. LHDs are used by Regional Monitoring Agencies (RMAs) to estimate
airspace risk for reporting to RASMAG and APANPIRG.
5.44 The area along Dhaka – Kolkata – Yangon FIR borders is currently a hot spot
in the Asia Pacific region, having the highest number of LHD occurrences; most of which were
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Category E – Coordination Error in the ATC-to-ATC transfer of control responsibility as a
result of human factor issues. To ensure that there is coordination between the two involving
ATS units to uncover the cause and prevent future occurrences, the Cross-Boundary LHD
Coordination Procedure was recommended for every LHD occurrence that involved another
ATS unit; the procedure was agreed and adopted in BIMT/3. Such recommended practice can
be found in the presentation given.
5.45 MAAR also presented the Action Plan, which was a compilation of completed
and planned activities, by related States and Agencies, addressing LHD Hotspots near western
and eastern boundaries of Indian FIRs. States/ANSPs were invited to review and provide
updates to MAAR at any time for reporting to RASMAG and APANPIRG.
5.46 In order to facilitate LHD reporting from States to the Monitoring Agency for
Asia Region (MAAR), a prototype of online LHD reporting system was proposed during the
meeting for comments and feedback. The online reporting system would automatically, at the
time of submission, send the report to all relevant ATS units as well as MAAR and
BOBASMA. Upon completion of system tuning and testing, ANSPs may partially or fully
participate by submitting an LHD report either through the existing channel or the new online
system while all relevant units would receive notification/information through the new system.
More information on the system could be found in the given presentation.
5.47 India requested a sharing of experience on low LHD occurrences along
Bangkok – Yangon FIR border. Myanmar clarified that the area along that border was under
full surveillance coverage and Bangkok ACC also normally send inbound estimates 1 – 2 hours
prior to aircrafts reaching the transfer of control points. This was in contrast with Kolkata –
Yangon FIR border, where the inbound estimates were sent only 30 minutes in advance as per
the existing Letter of Agreement. India agreed to discuss this issue further with Myanmar
during the bi-lateral side meeting.
5.48 Myanmar remarked that, while reporting was important, mitigation procedure
should also be discussed. One way to reduce such LHD occurrences would be immediate
coordination between relevant ATS units; a practice that had been put in place between Kolkata
and Yangon ACCs using e-mails.
5.49 IATA also remarked on the importance of LHD reporting and the risk posed by
such occurrences especially in the northern Bay of Bengal region frequently plagued by
inclement weather. To improve coordination and reduce the airspace risk in this area, IATA
proposed a more frequent LHD discussion – e.g. monthly – to ensure enough data could be
gathered for discussion, analysis and identification of ways to reduce the occurrences.
5.50 Bangladesh noted the importance of LHD reporting and the high occurrences
along Dhaka – Kolkata FIR border highlighted by India, and requested further discussion with
MAAR on reporting procedure and system during the bi-lateral side meeting.
BOBASMA Report on LHDs
5.51 Bay of Bengal Arabian Sea Indian Ocean Safety Monitoring Agency
(BOBASMA) presented an analysis of Category E LHD reports filed by Chennai, Kolkata, and
Yangon ACCs over the 6-month period from January to June 2016. It was found that
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coordination error due to incorrect passing of assigned flight level information accounted for
the majority of occurrences. BOBASMA also remarked that the number of occurrences during
the 6-month period in 2016 (92) was higher than the number of occurrences recorded during
the 10-month period in 2015 (73), despite a new LHD handling procedure being put in place
since January 2016.
5.52 In light of the trend, BOBASMA urged States to put greater emphasis on
avoiding coordination errors and adhering to LHD reporting procedure, in addition to the
implementations of support systems such as AIDC and ADS-B data sharing. BOBASMA also
requested that they be copied in the coordination between relevant ATS units on LHD
occurrences to ensure that they would be kept up to date.
5.53 Details on the report by BOBASMA could be found in the given Working Paper
downloadable from the web link mentioned above.
Agenda Item 6: Bi-Lateral Meetings
Multi-Lateral Meeting
Outcome of Meeting between MAAR, IATA, ICAO, and Bangladesh, India, Myanmar
6.1 MAAR conducted multi-lateral meeting with IATA, ICAO, Bangladesh, India,
and Myanmar to further discuss the Large Height Deviation (LHD) reporting and the online
LHD reporting system proposed during Agenda Item 5.6.
6.2 MAAR demonstrated the actual system to the participants to show the user
interface of the new online form in more details. The meeting agreed with the concept of the
proposed system and MAAR informed that they would provide an instructional package to help
States familiarize with platform. Since this concerned all BIMT Member States, the conclusion
and action item had been captured as the meeting’s Conclusion BIMT/4-5 and Action Item
BIMT/4-5.
Conclusion BIMT/4-5 – Large Height Deviation (LHD) Online Reporting
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed with MAAR’s proposed online LHD reporting
system, which will also ensure LHD reports are automatically sent, at the time
of submission, to all relevant ATS units as well as MAAR and BOBASMA. The
online reporting system is in the testing and fine-tuning phase and should be
ready by October 2016.
*Note: Bangkok ACC has a separate reporting coordination with MAAR,
though the reports will still be entered into the system
Action Item BIMT/4-5 – LHD Online Reporting Instructional Package
MAAR, upon completion of system tuning and testing, will send Member
States an instructional package on the new LHD Online Reporting System to
help States familiarize themselves with the platform, including a link to access
the system for States to try out the system.
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6.3 In order to improve safety and reduce LHD occurrences, Bangladesh, India, and
Myanmar also agreed on a more stringent coordination timeframe between the point of contact
and/or watch supervisors on-duty. In reference to the Cross-Boundary LHD Coordination
Procedure, ACC A shall contact ACC B within 3 days from the date of occurrence, whereby
ACC B shall respond within 7 days from the date of notification. After agreeing on the facts of
the occurrence, ACC A will submit the LHD report to MAAR using the online system, which
will automatically notify all relevant parties. This had been captured as the meeting’s
Conclusion BIMT/4-6 as well due to its multi-state nature. To facilitate the coordination, India
also agreed to provide a reporting template for the initial e-mail exchange between ATS units
concerned regarding LHD occurrences, captured as Action Item BIMT/4-6.
Conclusion BIMT/4-6 – Large Height Deviation (LHD) Coordination
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar agreed on an immediate coordination between
the point of contact and/or the watch supervisor on-duty, which shall be within
3 days from the date of occurrence. Upon initial contact by the unit where the
LHD occurred, the contacted unit shall respond within 7 days to discuss the
matter. Once an agreement is reached among relevant units, a formal LHD
report will be submitted.
Action Item BIMT/4-6 – LHD Coordination E-Mail Template India will provide a reporting template for the initial e-mail exchange between
ATS units regarding LHD occurrences.
6.4 Additionally, the topic of periodic LHD review teleconferences was also
discussed again per IATA suggestion. States agreed with the concept and informed the meeting
that bi-lateral phone conversations had been already taking place to discuss ATS issues. The
meeting agreed to include conversations regarding LHDs and their mitigating measures into
these discussions. This had been captured as the meeting’s Conclusion BIMT/4-7.
Conclusion BIMT/4-7 – Periodic Teleconferences on Resolving LHDs and
Other ATS Issues
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar agreed to hold periodic bi or tri-lateral
teleconferences between ATS authorities to discuss LHD occurrences and
mitigation measures along with other ATS issues.
6.5 More information from the multi-lateral meeting between MAAR, IATA,
ICAO, Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar could be found in Attachment 4.
Bi-Lateral and Tri-Lateral Meetings
Outcome of Meeting between Bangladesh – India
6.6 Bangladesh and India conducted bi-lateral meeting during the allocated time
and discussed issues pertaining to route structure development, flight level allocation, and
naming of waypoints. Outcome of the discussion is attached to this report as Attachment 5.
6.7 One key issue discussed during this bi-lateral meeting was the realignment of
Bangladesh danger areas (VGD-31, 32, 33, 34, 35) and the shifting of a segment of the planned
L507S (M509). Since the shifting of L507S (M509) segment may render the spacing between
the route and the planned P646 to be insufficient for RNP10 route specifications, further
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discussion on this route structure is needed following relevant States’ surveys of CNS
infrastructure in the area and revision of route specifications. Accordingly, the realignment of
danger areas will be pending until the decision regarding L507N (L507), L507S (M509), P646
is reached.
Outcome of Tri-Lateral Meeting between Bangladesh – India – Myanmar
6.8 Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar conducted tri-lateral meeting during the
allocated time and discussed issues pertaining to Large Height Deviation (LHD) occurrences
brought up by MAAR and BOBASMA. Of particular concern are flights overflying CHILA
via A599 and APAGO via B465 as these are waypoints located where Dhaka, Kolkata, and
Yangon FIRs intersect and create an LHD hotspot. The coordination procedure between Dhaka,
Kolkata, and Yangon ACCs has been discussed and recorded as outcome from the tri-lateral
meeting. The record can also be found in Attachment 5.
Outcome of Bi-Lateral Meeting between India – Myanmar
6.9 India and Myanmar conducted bi-lateral meeting during the allocated time and
discussed issues pertaining to (1) AIDC implementation between Kolkata and Yangon ACCs,
(2) LHD mitigation measures, and (3) 50NM longitudinal separation at transfer of control
points. The summary of outcomes can be found in Attachment 6.
Outcome of Bi-Lateral Meeting between Myanmar – Thailand
6.10 Myanmar and Thailand conducted bi-lateral meeting to discuss the revision of
Letter of Agreement (LOA). The draft LOA has been agreed with a tentative signing planned
for early October 2016.
6.11 Additionally, the bi-lateral meeting also discussed draft AIP Supplement on
Operating Procedures for RNP10 Operations on ATS Routes L507, P646, N895, L524 and
L301. This draft AIP Supplement can be found in Attachment 7 for review and comment.
Conclusion on BIMT Collaborative Route Development
6.12 Following various side meetings, the meeting agreed to conclude the discussion
on BIMT collaborative route structure development with a phased approach to the
implementation. This will allow Member States to prepare the process and discuss any
remaining issues accordingly.
6.13 The first phase (Phase 1) of the implementation focuses on agreed routes L524,
M506, and L877 (shown in Figure 4 above) with summary as follows:
Routes Waypoints Conditions States
L524 NAGPUR–
KAMKO - BKK
- Eastbound traffic (east of KAMKO)
- Bi-directional (west of KAMKO)
India, Myanmar,
Thailand
M506 DWI – KAMKO Transition route for westbound traffic
on L301 to join L524 after KAMKO
Myanmar,
Thailand
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L877 DWI – MIGAR
Transition route for eastbound traffic
on L301, P762, M502 with VTBD,
VTBS as destination
Myanmar,
Thailand
Table 4 - Phase 1 Route Implementation
The target implementation date for these routes will be 8 December 2016.
6.14 With the new implementation plan for Phase 1, a revised work plan was
discussed and agreed; shown here as follows:
Tasks By Completion Target Remark
1 Approval of route design BIMT/3 17 Dec 2015
2 Approval of work plan 17 Dec 2015
3 Safety assessment BIMT Jan 2016
4 Waypoint and route
designator Jan 2016
New route designator
L524 and M509
received
5 AIP drafting Feb 2016 BIMT States submit
to AAI
6 Submit BANP Mar 2016
7 Review work plan BIMT 17 Aug 2016
8 PfA to BANP Approval ICAO 2 Sep 2016 Error correction by
BIMT States
9 LOA Addendum BIMT Nov 2016 BIMT States
10 ATC Training BIMT Nov 2016 BIMT States
11 AIP Publication (Phase 1) BIMT Sep-Oct 2016 BIMT States
12 Effective Date (Phase 1 8 Dec 2016
13 Post-operations review BIMT TBD Table 5 - Revised Phase 1 Route Implementation Work Plan
6.15 The second phase (Phase 2) of the implementation will focus on longer routes
L507N (L507), L507S (M509), P646 and others shown below. Further details of these routes
will be discussed at BIMT/5 meeting, following Member States’ internal analysis and safety
assessment as well as CNS infrastructure surveys.
Figure 5 - Phase 2 Routes
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6.16 Decisions regarding route implementation above have been captured as the
meeting’s Conclusion BIMT/4-8 and Conclusion BIMT/4-9.
Conclusion BIMT/4-8 – BIMT Route Structure Development, Phase 1
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed on the implementation of route structures as
shown in Figure 4 and Table 4 during Phase 1 of BIMT Route Structure
Development initiative. The target implementation date of these routes is 8
December 2016. Associated work plan (Table 5) for this implementation has
been discussed and will be followed accordingly.
Conclusion BIMT/4-9 – BIMT Route Structure Development, Phase 2
The BIMT/4 meeting agreed on the implementation of routes structures as
shown in Figure 5 during Phase 2 of BIMT Route Structure Development
initiative. Detail regarding these routes and work plan will be discussed at
the next BIMT meeting (BIMT/5).
Agenda Item 7: Future Direction
7.1 The meeting discussed arrangements for future annual BIMT meetings. For the
upcoming BIMT/5, Bangladesh informed the meeting that they are not yet able to host a
meeting and will be able to do so beginning in 2019. Myanmar informed that they will also not
be able to host due to the hosting of Mekong ATM Coordination Group Meeting. India thus
tentatively agreed to host the meeting in June 2017, subjecting to internal coordination within
AAI and will revert with information to Member States when able. Accordingly, the meeting
agreed on the following tentative plan for future BIMT meetings:
Meeting Timeframe Host / Venue
BIMT/5 Tentative: June 2017 India
BIMT/6 2018 Myanmar
BIMT/7 2019 Bangladesh
BIMT/8 2020 Thailand Table 6 - BIMT Meeting Plan
Agenda Item 8: Any Other Business
China Involvement in BIMT Meetings
8.1 Mr. Suvichan, the acting chairperson, informed the meeting that China has been
requesting to attend BIMT meetings to discuss issues relating to route structure development
between China and this sub-region. The meeting discussed the role of China in BIMT and
concluded that it would be more appropriate for China to raise any ATS issues through other
regional-level channels such as the ICAO meetings (APANPIRG, ATM/SG) as BIMT deals
primarily with matters within the Northern Bay of Bengal sub-region.
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8.2 The meeting agreed, however, for China to send delegates as observers to future
BIMT meetings if desired. Myanmar volunteered to liaise with delegates from China on this
topic further as they plan to visit Myanmar’s facilities in the upcoming month.
Revision of Rocket Launch Coordination Points of Contact
8.3 Following up on the action item from BIMT/3 meeting (Action Item BIMT/3-
4), India brought up the topic of coordination points of contact for rocket launch activities. The
contact details sent to India thus far has been compiled and is attached to this report as
Attachment 7. India reminded the meeting to update the points of contact and associated detail
accordingly.
Closing of the Meeting
In closing, Mr. Suvichan thanked all delegates for attending the meeting and for
the fruitful discussion that led to many key conclusions and action items to ensure progress of
the various joint initiatives. Head of Delegates from each Member States as well as ICAO and
IATA also had opportunity to express appreciation to all delegates and offered closing remarks
to the meeting.
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