On 18th September 2025, the launch ceremony for the National Air Traffic Flow Management System (NTFM) Macau International Airport (MIA) Terminal was held at Macau International Airport. The launch ceremony was attended by delegations from Director General of Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Mr. Maio Xuan, President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao (AACM) Mr. Stanley Pun, Director General of the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department Mr. Liu Chi-yung, and Chairman of Executive Committee of CAM Mr. Chan Weng Hong. This milestone event marks the official connection of Macau to the NTFM as the first overseas user of the system, substantially enhancing air traffic control collaboration capabilities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. All operational entities at MIA will enter a results-oriented operational model based on the release times provided by the system, accelerating the workflow across all support processes to ensure flights depart according to the assigned slot time and improving the overall operational efficiency of the airport.
The NTFM System is an intelligent air traffic management platform independently developed by Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). It enables real-time monitoring and prediction of air traffic nationwide, optimizing flight routes through scientific algorithms and reducing flight delays. The system integrates flight data from various regions across the country, utilizing big data analytics and artificial intelligence technologies to provide precise predictions and intelligent allocation of air space resources. Since its implementation, the overall operational efficiency of air traffic control and airspace capacity has been significantly enhancing. Additionally, the system will enhance emergency response capabilities in special situations, such as adverse weather or specific events, enabling quick coordination among all parties and implementing unified traffic management measures to ensure flight safety.
Director General of Air Traffic Management Bureau of CAAC Mr. Miao Xuan delivered speech and expressed that the launch of the Macau International Airport terminal is an important step in development of the National Air Traffic Flow Management System. It will enhance the efficiency of air traffic control coordination in the Greater Bay Area, facilitate the smooth integration of Macau International Airport into the regional air traffic management system, reduce the workload of controllers, and lower the probability of human errors, which have a profound impact on the construction of a world-class airport cluster in the Greater Bay Area.
During the ceremony, Chairman of Executive Committee of CAM Mr. Chan Weng Hong expressed that Macau International Airport will seize the opportunity to fully utilize the NTFM, adapt to the new operational model, and strive to enhance the efficiency across all operational processes, so as to ensure the flight regularity and promote passenger comfort, thereby attracting more travellers to choose Macau International Airport for their journeys. In addition, representative of Airport Operations Department of CAM made brief introduction and demonstration of the terminal operations.
The integration of Macau International Airport into the NTFM System represents a crucial step in the coordinated development of air traffic control in the Greater Bay Area. Macau will continue to promote automated data exchange and departure/arrival system connectivity with Hong Kong’s air traffic management, gradually achieving air traffic control information sharing, collaborative decision-making, and unified operations to provide robust support for the construction of a world-class airport cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Other senior officials attending the ceremony included: ATMB - Director of the HKMO Mr. Tian Fang, Director of the OMC Mr. Yan Jianzhong, Director General of the Middle South Regional ATMB Mr. Wang Xuexin; CAM - Executive Directors Mr. Chu Tan Neng, Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan, Mr. Lei Si Tai, Mr. Leung Henry Yee Hang and Airport Director Mr. Geng Yajun.
