Centralised pan-European deconfliction of call-signs is a strategy to be explored by a new task force established to reduce risks of call-sign similarity.
Misinterpretation of near-identical call-signs has contributed to several incidents, and analysis has highlighted particular vulnerabilities in call-sign allocation. The problem was among those identified in a detailed European communications action plan two years ago.
Difficulties notably occur when airlines allocate all-numeric call-signs, with common digits or combinations of digits, to different flights. This can happen if call-signs are based on IATA commercial flight numbers, which can be assigned in batches of sequential numbers.
Alphanumeric call-signs - such as those featuring two-digit, two-letter combinations - are considered potentially beneficial, but any early advantage is likely to diminish as such formats become more widely used.
Pan-European air navigation organisation Eurocontrol says evidence suggests 80% of call-sign similarity could be overcome by managing them through a centralised service.
Such a service would use specialised software to assess and deconflict call-signs at the flight-planning stage.
"This approach offers real savings compared to the current situation where individual airlines are managing their own deconfliction programmes," says Eurocontrol.
It says co-operation with carriers and air navigation services will be necessary to set up the required service over the next two years.
Eurocontrol has assisted with establishing the new Call-Sign Similarity user group, set up on 3 December, which will support efforts to develop deconfliction strategies.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
