An air navigation services system requires rapid access to correct current and conclusive data from a common source. In the air traffic control environment such data is often needed immediately in response to urgency or emergency situations. There is too much data to be efficiently memorised and therefore it is commonly available to controllers at their working positions in the form of documents, manuals etc. However, the more documents supplied the greater the problem of keeping them up to date and the more difficult finding the relevant information becomes.

There is a clear need to present such information in the instantaneously accessible form which modern display and computer technology makes possible. An upgraded AFTN system could be used to make a computerised data base available to all airspace users and providers of air navigation services.