The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched an official public consultation regarding the implementation of a new information management system.
Considered fundamental in the UK’s transition to data-driven, interoperable air traffic management operations; the management system provides the standards, infrastructure and governance necessary to enable the secure and interoperable exchange of aviation information.
The CAA has stated that, as aviation operations become more complex, a new information management system will create a standard of compatibility for aircraft in sharing aviation information.
In order to facilitate a smooth transition, the CAA has announced a public consultation inviting feedback on the proposed direction of travel, with the Authority requesting comment from stakeholders on necessary components, as well as the SWIM guidance they are intending to utilise to support the transition to a fully digital, information-centric aviation ecosystem.
The consultation marks the first formal opportunity for industry to help the regulator shape the overall implementation of a new information management system in the UK. By allowing organisations to publish, discover, access and use information more effectively; the introduction of a System Wide Information System (SWIM) is intended to support more informed decision-making, greater interoperability and future aviation innovation.
Elsewhere, the regulator will continue to develop and refine necessary Implementation Framework through consultation, stakeholder engagement and implementation experience, with the aim of publishing it in 2028. Additionally, the CAA will publish the SWIM Technical Architecture and Operational Scenarios for crewed users in 2027.
The CAA launched the consultation on 6 October 2026, and it will remain open until 6 January 2027.
