Ghim-Lay Yeo, Singapore (15Dec10, 09:29 GMT, 206 words)
Airbus has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese authorities to work together on air traffic management in the country.
It will help China's Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) to introduce and implement new air traffic management technologies and practices in the country, says Airbus. The bureau is under the Civil Aviation Authority of China.
The aircraft manufacturer has said previously that it was in talks with Chinese authorities to study the use of a common air traffic management system, like the SESAR single sky system in Europe.
Airbus says it will share its experience in Europe with the bureau for the development of future systems in China.
"Airbus will support ATMB in 16 potential areas of cooperation identified by ATMB, including research and development, concept and technology validation, support to deployment, airspace design and training," says the aircraft manufacturer.
A modernised air traffic management system can help cut flight delays, save fuel consumption and reduce emissions, it adds.
"Global interoperability of air traffic management systems, in particular between the future air traffic management system in China and SESAR is key for the air transport industry, and strengthening cooperation between Europe and China will support global interoperability," says Airbus China president Laurence Barron.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news