RuAviation

A key tool for information exchange between aircraft and air traffic control centres is the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), a digital system for transmitting short text messages via air-to-ground or satellite radio communication. Until 29 March 2022, these services were provided by the Swiss company SITA and the American company ARINC. However, sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union rendered them inaccessible to Russian airlines, thereby disrupting critically important operational processes.

ACARS enables real-time transmission of aircraft condition monitoring data from airborne aircraft to ground services, including the performance of its components, as well as the exchange of meteorological data, operational flight plans, and other essential information to facilitate prompt aircraft maintenance upon landing. Following the departure of foreign providers, there arose an urgent need to develop a domestic alternative. Through the joint efforts of Infocom-Avia and Azimuth, equipment was developed, and a Russian version of the ACARS system was implemented.

In 2023, Aeroflot and S7 Airlines were the first to be connected to the Russian system, followed later by Rossiya and Red Wings. In 2024, the number of airlines connected to the ACARS service more than doubled compared to the previous year. Data processing is carried out in a Russian processing centre, and in 2024, the air-to-ground digital communications system processed over 28 million messages, according to the Rostec State Corporation.

“With the support of the State Corporation, operator Infocom-Avia has restored the air-to-ground ACARS service for domestic air carriers. A network of ground stations has been deployed on the main north-south and west-east flight corridors, and a data processing centre has been established,” Rostec’s press service stated. It was added that providing ACARS services and complete national coverage required just over one hundred ground stations, compared to only ten in 2023.

The ACARS data transmission protocol, which uses Telex format, was developed by ARINC and introduced in 1978. Subsequently, SITA supplemented its network of ground stations with specialised radio equipment. Russian equivalents have completely replaced foreign systems, ensuring the continuity of critical processes in aviation. Software developed by Azimuth is included in the Russian software register and enables the implementation of additional services such as digital aerodrome terminal information service (D-ATIS) and departure clearances (DCL). Hardware and software suites created in partnership by Infocom-Avia and Azimuth provide for the transmission of digital messages between controllers and pilots (CPDLC).