India has established ATS Message Handling System (AMHS) connectivity with Neighboring Country Nepal.
The regular exchange of messages between Mumbai and Kathmandu has commenced with effect from 2nd June this year.
India, as per the commitment to support Global Air Navigation Plan and the global plan initiatives of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has implemented the AMHS system in year 2011 and first connectivity was established with Singapore.
This current implementation replaces the legacy of AFTN connectivity which could cater to only small textual messages. The AMHS facility between India and Nepal now provides global messaging similar to e-mails wherein binary attachments containing aeronautical maps, weather charts, digital NOTAM etc. can be exchanged. AMHS technology is the enabler for graphical depiction of aeronautical data through the automation system, thereby enhancing the performance and efficiency of the air traffic services. This will bring significant improvement in service delivery and air safety to the travelling public.
Operational trials are underway to establish other committed international links with countries like China, Thailand, Pakistan and Bangladesh which will enable the complete operationalization of the AMHS network in Asia-Pacific region.