GENERALThe Air Traffic Information Management System (ATIMS) complies with the future developments of the Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (ATM) also known as Future Air Navigation System (FANS). It covers the evolution of the way the airspace will be used in the years to come.It will be used in different operational environments and is designed to be easily configured to the airlines needs.ATIMS enables data-link communication: VHF Data Radio (VDR), HF Data Radio (HFDR) and SATCOM (if installed) and the exchange of complex data or specific reports between the aircraft and the ground centers:- controller pilot data-link communications (HF voice in backup) for air traffic management,- automatic reporting (position, intention) for air traffic surveillance,- specific airline/aircraft communications (operational control) to improve airline operational costs and flexibility.Standard AOC functionalities are basically provided but airlines can customize these functions and the way they are accessed by the crew.On the ground, the different existing networks dispatch the messages.These networks are operated by private companies such as ARINC, SITA and others, which are known as service providers.