In the framework of the ACAO ICAO MoU, and in consideration of the joint activity plan 2023-2025, ACAO and ICAO MID supported by CGX company jointly organized on Continuous Climb & Descent Operations workshop has been held at Casablanca, Morocco, 11-12 November 2024. 20 participants from 6 states and 3 organizations and industry (ACAO, ICAO & CGX) attended the event. It was an opportunity to have a dynamic interactives session on the introduction of ICAO policies in the field of air transport as well as sharing the four key charging principles in order to encourage States to incorporate them in their regulations.
Our airspace becomes more complex and our commitment to environmental sustainability expands, this is why optimizing flight efficiency through CCO and CDO is of crucial importance.
The agenda of the WS included important topics toward aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across our skies.
1. CCO/CDO Implementation Processes
The journey of adopting CCO and CDO has been characterized by both exciting progress and substantial learning. Implementation requires careful planning and collaboration across multiple sectors, including air traffic management, airlines, and regulatory authorities. These processes necessitate alignment on standard operating procedures, robust training programs, and the integration of sophisticated technology systems. Today, we will focus on common obstacles, such as airspace design constraints and the need for tailored operational procedures that accommodate various aircraft types.
2. CCO/CDO Phraseology and Publications
Standardized phraseology and documentation are the foundations of effective communication in aviation. For CCO/CDO, clear, unambiguous language is essential to ensure safe and efficient coordination among air traffic controllers and flight crews. This session will examine current phraseology standards and explore areas where further refinement may be needed to avoid misinterpretation. Additionally, we'll review how CCO/CDO guidelines are integrated into publications and aeronautical information products, ensuring that pilots and controllers have up-to-date and accessible information.
3. CCO/CDO Database Coding & Charting Aspects
The technical foundation of CCO/CDO operations lies in accurate database coding and clear charting. Accurate coding of waypoints and altitude restrictions is necessary to enable automated systems to compute efficient climb and descent paths. Meanwhile, clear and comprehensive charting ensures that pilots can easily understand and follow CCO/CDO procedures.
4. CCO/CDO Airspace Users, Industry, and States: Experiences and Challenges
Finally, we will hear from airspace users to gain insights into the operational realities of CCO/CDO. Airlines may face logistical and scheduling challenges when implementing CCO/CDO, while regulators must balance the needs of multiple stakeholders to create policies that promote safety and efficiency.
The successful adoption of CCO/CDO is more than an operational objective; it is a commitment to a safer, more sustainable future for aviation. Through continuous improvement and collaboration, we can reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and create more streamlined flight paths that benefit airspace users, passengers, and the environment.