Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) enabling Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO)

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has advanced air traffic management (ATM) by adopting Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) and Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO). TBO, endorsed by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), optimises flight trajectories across all flight phases, while FF-ICE enables information exchange among airspace users and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). Powered by System Wide Information Management (SWIM), these innovations enhance efficiency, sustainability, and regional cooperation in air navigation.

In July 2025, CAD’s in-house developed FF-ICE prototype system was showcased at the Asia-Pacific (APAC) TBO Pathfinder Project Laboratory Demonstration in Hanoi, with real-time, end-to-end flight trajectory information exchange and management coordination, underlining CAD’s technology in ATM innovation.

The CAD’s FF-ICE prototype enabled:

• Collaborative Decision-Making: Enhance real-time data sharing for coordination and situational awareness among regional partners.
• Optimised Flight Paths: Support route efficiency, reduce flight times, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions.
• Future Readiness: Prepare Hong Kong for ICAO’s transition from Flight Plan 2012 format by 2034.
• Business Facilitation: Streamline data flows, improve scheduling, reduce bottlenecks, and increase resilience to growing air traffic demand.

Digitalisation of FF-ICE for TBO strengthens Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation hub, contributing to more efficient air traffic capacity across the APAC region while enhancing environmental sustainability and business facilitation through innovative digital solutions. By embracing next-generation digital standards, CAD reaffirms its commitment to safer, more efficient, and greener air navigation, while supporting business growth in the rapidly evolving aviation sector.

Click here to access the relevant press release.

[Acknowledgement to the CAD for providing material for the story.]