Brussels, 19/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission, on Friday 16 January, adopted rules on the use of data links in the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, to replace the voice communication systems currently used between aircraft and air traffic control centres. The new technology will allow written messages (a sort of email) to be sent from ground to air between the air traffic controller and the aeroplane pilot. This will mean that communication flows quickly and easily, by, among other things, reducing the number of radio connections which could fail with the increasing volume of air traffic. The new equipment is due to be installed in all new aircraft from 1 January 2011 and on existing aircraft by February 2015. Data link services will be provided in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom by February 2013 and by February 2015 in the rest of Europe. According to Commission forecasts, the use of data links will considerably increase airspace capacity and will bring savings amounting to some €875 million by 2025. (A/By./transl.rt)