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Operations

Aeronautical Communications

Communications with aircrafts over the North-Atlantic is a critical part of our service. Isavia ANS ensures the provision of secure and efficient communication for our customers through Iceland Radio. Each year, approximately 400,000 messages are dispatched from the Radio Communication Centre, and more messages are distributed through the AFTN/AMHS message system.

Iceland Radio

Main service

Iceland Radio, the aeronautical communications centre in Iceland, maintains voice communications, through HF and VHF frequencies, within BIRD oceanic control area. All air to ground communication is conducted in English, and to ensure aircraft safety across the north Atlantic Ocean, aviation messages are transmitted and received by the aeronautical communication centre. Messages received and delivered by Radio Operators include aircraft position reports, changes of altitude, speed and route, weather reports, airport landing conditions, emergency response, company dispatch messages or a phone patch service. In accordance with its purpose, aircraft messages are distributed to area control centres or ATC, meteorological offices, airports and aircraft operators.

In 2006, Iceland Radio commenced a joint operation with Shanwick Radio, the AirNav Ireland North Atlantic Communications Centre in Ballygirreen, Ireland. The joint operation agreement with Shandwick Radio in Ballygirreen allows Iceland Radio to render service in the Irish oceanic control area, and for Shanwick Radio to assist Iceland Radio within Reykjavík Control Area. Through submarine cables, the stations are interconnected, and thus enabled to share their workforce and equipment. The joint operation has resulted in considerable increase in efficiency, and an enhanced service at lower combined operational costs.

The operation at Iceland Radio

The operation is divided into two major categories. First, it is a voice communication centre, and second a message delivery com centre:

  1. Voice communications with aircrafts (Aeronautical Mobile Service - AMS).
  2. AFTN/AMHS message system Com Centre (Aeronautical Fixed Service - AFS).

Iceland Radio's main operation is aeronautical voice communication, which requires considerable human resource. When aircrafts are not in radar range with the oceanic control centre, oceanic en-route service is provided through voice communication to Iceland Radio.

Main service provided for voice communication

  • Aircraft position reports.
  • Altitude and/or enroute requests.
  • Clearance delivery from oceanic control centres.
  • Weather reports.
  • Information to airline operation centres.
  • Frequency assignment and selcal.

AFTN/AMHS message system

Operation of an AFTN/AMHS message switch unit includes transmission of messages from flight data systems to internal and external service providers. The Com Centre at Iceland Radio monitors the AFTN/AMHS switch unit in BIRD air traffic control area.

Operating Frequencies

From Iceland Radio, aeronautical communication service is provided every day for 24 hours through HF and VHF GP frequencies.

VHF service is continuous over the North Atlantic Ocean with COM equipment located in Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Operating frequencies are VHF 126.550, VHF 127.850, and VHF 129.625.

During day hours, HF frequencies for Iceland Radio are 8891 Khz, 4675 khz, and 11279 khz. At night, HF frequencies are 8864 Khz, 4675 khz, and 11279 khz. At a regular basis, frequencies are issued twice a day by Iceland Radio. Occasionally, when HF reception conditions vary or deteriorate, HF frequencies are subject to change, and higher frequencies may be issued for HF communication. Higher operating frequencies are 11279 khz, 13291 khz and 17946 khz. When applicable, Iceland Radio announces changes of frequencies.

HF service is provided through three frequency groups

All frequencies are continuously monitored.

Satellite Communication

Iceland Radio offers satellite communication service to aircrafts through IRIDIUM and IMMARSAT. When HF conditions deteriorate, a satellite communication can be applied. If the aircraft is equipped with a satellite phone on board, pilots can call Iceland Radio centre when necessary. Moreover, Iceland Radio can call aircrafts equipped with a satellite phone.

Phone numbers for a satellite communication

  • Landline: 00-354-5684600
  • Short Code: 425105

A phone patch service to Dispatch or Medlink.

Aircrafts can request a phone patch to their company dispatch unit or to Medlink when necessary. Through HF and landline interconnection, Iceland radio can call and connect an aircraft to their company dispatch unit or to Medlink. Phone patch requests must be made through an Iceland Radio working frequency.

Aircraft Datalink Communications:

In cooperation with ARINC, Iceland Radio and Isavia ANS operate equipment for aircraft datalink service through VHF and HF frequencies. The datalink service for CPDLC, ADSC, and ADSB is continuous over the North Atlantic Ocean. Datalink communication is ever increasing where airlines are enabled to receive aircraft data, and air traffic control units can interact directly with aircrafts.