The Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) operation in the oceanic area has been carried out since 1998, and the Departure Clearance by data link (DCL) operation in airports has been carried out since 2012. From March 2022, the domestic CPDLC trial operation has just started in the domestic sector. By using the same technology (FANS 1/A*) as the oceanic area, seamless control operation can be realized between the oceanic area and the domestic area. It also aims to accumulate operational and technical achievements for future Trajectory Based Operations (TBOs). The effects of the introduction include "improvement of air traffic control processing capacity," "improvement of safety," and "improvement of flight efficiency."

 

Data Link areas

The airspace where it can be implemented is the airspace of FL335 or higher in the domestic sector (there are no restrictions on the altitude zone in some sectors that connect the oceanic area). The applicable aircraft shall be "FANS1/A compatible aircraft," and the operator shall obtain the approval of the registered country or the operator's country. The messages that can be used are frequency transfer messages, DBC-specified messages, and other non-time-critical items. The communication network is mainly VHF data link, and SATCOM can also be used.

After the start of official operation, we will consider expanding the airspace where it can be implemented (lowering to an altitude lower than FL335) and expanding the messages that can be used.

Image of VDL Mode2 coverage area VDL Mode2

*FANS 1/A: The technology standard enabling Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) on the existing ACARS network.