ATS Message Handling System also known as Aeronautical Message Handling System is a standard for aeronautical ground-ground communications based on X.400 profiles. It has been defined by the ICAO.
Additionally, ICAO Doc 9880 outlines different subsets of the Extended ATSMHS. The Basic ATSMHS performs an operational role similar to the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network with a few enhancements. The Extended ATSMHS provided enhanced features but includes the Basic level of service capability; in this way it is ensured that users with Extended Service capabilities can inter-operate, at a basic level, with users having Basic Service capabilities and vice versa. The ATSMHS is provided by a set of end systems, which collectively comprise the ATS Message Handling System. The systems co-operate to provide users with a data communication service. The AMHS network is composed of interconnected ATS Message Servers that perform message switching at the application layer. Direct users connect to ATS Message Servers by means of ATS Message User Agents. An ATS Message User Agent supporting the Extended level of service will use the Basic level of service to allow communication with users who only support the Basic ATSMHS.
Interoperability
In order to ensure unobstructed communication between the ANSPs, the European Air Navigation Planning Group of ICAO has defined 59 test cases in its EUR AMHS Manual, 17/06/2010, ASIA/PAC AMHS Manual which have to be performed prior to establishment of bilateral links between the ANSPs. Those tests are conducted using a test engine and verify the conformance to the AMHS standard, which is defined in ICAO Doc 9880-AN/466: Manual on Detailed Technical Specifications for the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network using ISO/OSI Standards and Protocols, Second Advanced Edition - 2016, Part II. In the context of Single European Sky initiative and the European regulation EC552/2004 EUROCONTROL developed a specification to complement the regulation. The use of the specifications facilitates the demonstration of conformity to the essential requirements and regulatory provisions.
Implementations
In order to facilitate the transition from legacy protocols to this new standard EUROCONTROL launched a project called ECG to develop a gateway between AFTN and AMHS. The ECG was developed by the French manufacturer THALES and the German manufacturer FREQUENTIS COMSOFT. Meanwhile, nearly all AMHS systems in Europe are derived from the ECG. Similar solutions are offered by Indra Avitech GmbH, Intelcan, TELEFONICA, IDS, Copperchase Ltd,Radiocom working together with Skysoft Servicios S.A. and FREQUENTIS. The first AMHS system was implemented by as a pioneer solution and went into operational use in 1996 with 36 centers for the German Military and the first AMHS connection in Europe is in operational use since February 2005 between the ANSPs of Germany and Spain. Second in Europe were Bosnia and Herzegovina with Austria in 2011. The first operational AMHS connection in the Middle East was established in 2009 between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. In the meantime Abu Dhabi has evolved as a nucleus for the introduction of AMHS in the Middle East, resulting in a coherent AMHS network of operational connection between UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Since 2010 Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia form the first operational AMHS triangle. In 2012 the South American countries Peru and Colombia joined the circle of AMHS users while Asia has operated AMHS links between Hong Kong and Macao since 2009 and between Singapore and India since 2011. Interregional AMHS connections for improved traffic between ICAO regions could be established between the UK and the US in 2011 and the UK and Singapore in the beginning of 2012. By end 2011, ANSPs worldwide have replaced 14 operational international AFTN connections by an AMHS link. The up-to-date worldwide implementation status of AMHS is recorded in the ICAO COM Charts which are available from the AMC operated by EUROCONTROL.
