Kiri

Tel.: +1 514-315-2167

Ref.: AN 10/1 – 25/38 7 April 2025

Subject: Development of a Cost Recovery Mechanism for the

Provision of Space Weather Information Services

Action required: Reply no later than 13 June 2025

Sir/Madam,

1. I have the honour to refer to the State Letter dated 21 December 2018, reference

AN 10/1 – IND/18/9 (Attachment A), informing your Government that the ACFJ consortium (formed by

Australia, Canada, France and Japan), the Partnership of Excellence for Civil Aviation Space Weather User

Services (PECASUS) consortium (formed by Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Italy, Poland,

Netherlands and United Kingdom) and the United States would serve as global space weather information

service providers.

2. This State Letter further stated that the service would be provided by the designated centres

on the understanding that the space weather information services would be provided at no cost to the

aviation user community for the first three years of operation. Subsequent to the issuance of this letter, the

China/Russian Federation consortium, that had initially been named a regional centre, was also designated

as a global space weather information service provider, whereas South Africa remains a regional centre.

3. ICAO Space Weather Information Services (SWIS) began coordinated operational services

on 7 November 2019. Following the commencement of these services, the ICAO Council initiated

discussions to explore cost recovery mechanisms for the service providers. These deliberations prioritize

the safety of global air navigation by ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the SWIS. The Council's

efforts, in this regard, align with the ICAO Assembly Resolution contained in A41-27, which requested that

the Council “address the issues of the appropriateness of a global cost recovery system for the provision of

space weather information services for international civil aviation, including the development of a cost

recovery mechanism consistent with ICAO’s charging principles”. Background information on the

development of the service, along with updates on the progress of work related to cost recovery, is provided

in Attachment B.

999 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard

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Tel.: +1 514 954-8219-

Fax: +1 514 954-6077-

Email: [email protected]

www.icao.int

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Civil Aviation

Organization

Organisation

de l’aviation civile

internationale

Organización

de Aviación Civil

Internacional

Международная

организация

гражданской

авиации

- 2 -

4. Following discussions in the Council, the following two distinct Concept Note options for

a global cost recovery mechanism were developed: Option – Operator Charge, proposing a Global User

Charge to Air Operators (technical details provided in Attachment C); and Option – State Charge,

outlining a Global Charge Allocation to States (technical details provided in Attachment D). Service cost

information and the cost implications of each option are outlined in Attachment E. The report of the

Independent Oversight Task Force, which reviewed the aviation-related costs submitted by service

providers, is provided in Attachment F. Details on the service cost components recovered by the Global

Space Weather Centres is provided in Attachment G.

5. It is important to note that solar activity may present, at times, both a safety risk to aviation

communication and navigation systems, as well as a health risk to crew and passengers through exposure

to unusually high solar radiation level. Space weather information services provide a means for operators

to avoid or mitigate both risks. As such, relevant standards have been adopted by ICAO Member States

creating an obligation for space weather information to be considered before all flights. This obligation

requires the establishment of a mechanism ensuring that reliable space weather information, covering all

land and sea areas, can be accessed by all operators everywhere.

6. I kindly invite you to send your comments to [email protected], on your preferred option,

including any concerns or additional considerations you may have regarding Option – Operator Charge

and Option – State Charge. Additionally, Member States could, in reviewing the two options proposed,

also put forward alternative proposals for consideration, should they wish to do so. Your input will be

instrumental in guiding further discussions on this matter and in developing a comprehensive and equitable

cost recovery mechanism for this service.

Accept, Sir/Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Juan Carlos Salazar

Secretary General

Enclosures:

Attachment A – SL AN 10/1 – IND/18/9

Attachment B – Background Information

Attachment C – Option – Operator Charge

Attachment D – Option – State Charge

Attachment E – Computation of the Charge Per Departure

Attachment F – Independent Oversight Task Force Report (English only)

Attachment G – Components of the Costs Recovered by the Space Weather Centres

Attachment A to State letter 25/38

State leer AN 10/1-IND/18/9

A-2

A-3

ATTACHMENT B to State letter 25/38

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1 Operational Developments

1.1 In March 2018, during its 213th Session, the ICAO Council approved the amendments to

ICAO Annex 3, Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation, paragraphs 9.1.1 and 9.1.3 k), to

include the requirement for States to provide space weather information to operators and flight crew

members, with an applicability date of 8 November 2018. The Annex is further supported by ICAO

Doc 10100, Manual on Space Weather Information in Support of International Air Navigation, Chapter 4

of this document outlines guidance for flight crews, aircraft operators, air navigation service providers, and

civil aviation authorities on effectively utilizing space weather information.

1.2 In November 2018, during its 215th Session, the ICAO Council approved the establishment

of a global space weather information service, as recommended by the Air Navigation Commission (ANC)

and its Meteorology Panel (METP). This service is provided by a network of ICAO-designated Space

Weather Information Centres (SWXCs). The key consideration for the global service was for users to access

a coordinated source of expert, accurate, reliable and timely information, delivered at an appropriate cost,

with built-in redundancy ensuring continuous and uninterrupted coverage.

2 Service Providers

2.1 ICAO, through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), conducted technical

assessments on prospective SWXCs to ensure their capability to meet ICAO's requirements before

designation. Three service providers were designated ICAO global SWXCs in November 2018 (C-DEC 215/7 refers), namely the ACFJ consortium (comprising Australia, Canada, France and Japan), the

Partnership of Excellence for Civil Aviation Space Weather User Services (PECASUS) consortium

(comprising Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland and the United

Kingdom), and the United States; in addition, two regional centres were named, comprising the

China/Russian Federation (CRC) consortium and South Africa. At the 219th Session of the Council, in

April 2020, the Council agreed that the CRC should also serve as a global space weather information service

provider (C-DEC 219/7 refers). The four designated SWXCs operate on a rotational basis, with each centre

taking turns to serve as the primary provider while the others act as backups. This coordinated and

cooperative approach ensures the availability of expert space weather information and ensures continuous

and uninterrupted service.

2.2 The ICAO Space Weather Information Services (SWIS) commenced its operational service

on 7 November 2019 and the coordinated single source of information from ICAO SWIS is disseminated

via the ICAO Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFS) to each State, for onward dissemination to its operators

and other end users in its State. South Africa is now preparing for its operational service as a regional space

weather centre to support global space weather centres under the framework of SWIS.

B-2

3 Cost Recovery of Space Weather Information Services

3.1 During its 215th Session in November 2018, the ICAO Council noted that the space

weather information services would be provided at no cost to the aviation user community for the first three

years of operation.

3.2 At the 217th Council Session in May 2019, the ANC reported to Council that, under

Article 15 of the Chicago Convention, it is the responsibility of ICAO to review the charges imposed by

States and make recommendations to the State(s) concerned, and that services necessary to meet

meteorological requirements under Annex 3 can be subjected to a cost recovery mechanism. The subsequent

work to develop a cost recovery mechanism involved the Secretariat and the relevant panels of the Air

Transport Committee (ATC) and the ANC.

3.3 Within ICAO, discussions on the cost recovery of space weather information services

commenced during the 223rd Session of the Council (June 2021), with the presentation of C-WP/15202 to

the Council via the ATC. At the time, the Council had requested that options be developed for an appropriate

methodology and mechanism for the cost recovery of space weather information (C-DEC 223/6 refers).

3.4 ICAO Assembly Resolution A41-27, Appendix C, Section I, Paragraph 11, as adopted by

the Assembly in September 2022, requested the Council to address the issues of the appropriateness of a

global cost recovery system for the provision of space weather information services for international civil

aviation, including the development of a cost recovery mechanism consistent with ICAO’s charging

principles.

3.5 During the 225th Session (February 2022), with the presentation of C-WP/15345, the

Council confirmed that cost recovery should be applied globally to the provision of space weather

information services by the ICAO-designated space weather centres, further requesting the relevant

technical panels to conduct a detailed assessment of the cost associated with the provision of the service.

The Council decision further requested that the work of the relevant technical panels be accelerated to

develop fair, transparent and equitable options for an appropriate cost recovery mechanism at the global

level (C-DEC 225/2 refers).

3.6 Council deliberations on C-WP/15447, during the 227th Session (November 2022), lead to

C-DEC 227/3 which approved the selection of a global user charge as the cost recovery mechanism to be

further developed to space weather information services, on the understanding that this option was, at the

time, the most suitable cost recovery mechanism in the application of cost recovery for the ICAO space

weather information services. This cost recovery mechanism Concept Note, Option – Operator Charge,

is presented in Attachment C.

3.7 During the 227th Session, the Council requested that the Secretariat present a proposal for

the establishment of an independent oversight body to ensure that the allocation of service provider costs

to aviation is reasonable. It was clarified that this cost review exercise is distinct from any ongoing oversight

function that may be incorporated into a future Agreement or Arrangement. The recommendations

contained in the Report of the Independent Oversight Task Force, presented in Attachment F are intended

to enhance the annual cost reporting process and strengthen oversight mechanisms within the framework

of a future Agreement or Arrangement. The composition of the Task Force has been approved by the

Council; however, its report is still pending Council approval.

B-3

3.8 Subsequently, at the second Meeting of the ATC, during the 230th Session of the Council,

C-WP/15518 was considered. In the Appendix to this working paper, a draft of the proposed “Arrangement

on the Sharing of Costs of the Space Weather Information Services” was presented on the global user charge

model of global cost recovery. The Council decided to postpone making a final decision on the matter

(C-DEC 230/5 refers). In order to facilitate the progress of this initiative, the Council also agreed to

constitute a Small Group on Cost Recovery for the Provision of Space Weather Information Services under

the ATC.

3.9 During the 233rd Session of the Council, an Oral ATC Report was presented to the Council

that outlined an additional global cost recovery proposal for the provision of space weather services. A

Concept Note on a global charging mechanism, based on the allocation of a charge to States, was developed

by the Small Group of the ATC. This cost recovery mechanism Concept Note, Option – State Charge, is

presented in Attachment D.

3.10 During its 233rd Session, the Council agreed to initiate a State Letter consultation with

Member States regarding the two Concept Note options outlined in paragraphs 3.6 and 3.8. The consultation

aimed to review the proposed options and invite alternative proposals for consideration, if desired.

— — — — — — — —

ATTACHMENT C to State letter 25/38

OPTION – OPERATOR CHARGE

At its 227th Session in November 2022, the Council approved the selection of a global user charge as the

cost recovery mechanism to be further developed for ICAO Space Weather Information Services (SWIS).

This decision was made with the understanding that it was the most appropriate cost recovery approach in

the global context at that time.

The ICAO Council approved this option for further development based on discussions and outcomes from

a meeting of the Meteorology Panel (METP) Working Group on Meteorological Cost Recovery Guidance

and Governance (WG-MCRGG) ad hoc group, convened from 14 to 16 June 2022 in Washington, D.C. The

meeting participants included representatives from the Airport Economics Panel and Air Navigation

Services Economics Panel (AEP-ANSEP) Working Group 4 (WG/4), the International Air Transport

Association (IATA), and the Civil Aviation Navigation Services Organization (CANSO).

The concept presented to the Council was based on recovering the service cost from both

international and domestic aviation, as shown in paragraph 1 below. Paragraph 9 presents the cost

per departure under two scenarios: cost recovery from both international and domestic traffic, and

cost recovery from international traffic only.

The concept presented to Council is as follows:

1 The global charge is allocated to Air Operators based on its proportion of global International and

Domestic scheduled and non-scheduled departures:

ℎ =

!" + $%&'

Global ChargeOperator = Global Charge allocated to an Air Operator

DEPOperator = International and domestic departures of Air Operator

DEPGlobal = International and domestic departures of Air Operators globally

COSTSWXC = Aviation-related costs of SWXCs which will be reviewed by an independent

oversight body to be decided by the Council

COSTADM = Billing and collection agency and Administrator cost

2 The rationale is as follows:

a) Entity for allocation of global charge: Air Operators are the most appropriate entities for the

allocation of the global charge as they are the users of air navigation facilities and services.

i. The ICAO key charging principle of Non-Discrimination is best met in that charges

that may be imposed for the services shall not be higher than those that would be

paid by national aircraft engaged in similar services.

C-2

ii. The ICAO key charging principle of Cost-Relatedness is best met, as it relates to

the user pay principle in which charges should reflect the level of service being

provided and the fact that users should not be charged for services they do not

receive. This principle is also consistent with the avoidance of one user group cross

subsidizing another user group.

b) Parameter for allocating the global charge: International and domestic (scheduled and

non-scheduled) departures as:

i. A cost recovery mechanism based on departures would best meet ICAO’s key

charging principles, as assessed by the MET Panel;

ii. departure data was assessed by the MET Panel to be a reliable and comprehensive

parameter to be applied, as compared to available tonne-kilometres and distance

flown; and

iii. based on the nature of the service (i.e., meteorological information) and the

benefits derived therefrom, which is used by both domestic and international

aviation, the costs should be recovered from both.

3 Not all SWXCs seek to recover their cost. In cases where a State operating as a SWXC, does not

pursue cost recovery, its operators shall not be allocated a global charge, provided the eligible SWXC

costs borne by that State exceed the amount of the global charge it would otherwise have been

allocated. The rationale is that, a State which bears more than its fair share of the global charge by

choosing not to recover its costs, is effectively reducing the overall cost burden of the ICAO SWIS

on States.

4 ICAO’s role in relation to administration of the ICAO SWIS to be determined based on discussions

in the Air Transport Committee (ATC) and Council.

5 States receiving and using the ICAO SWIS to supply space weather advisory information to operators

and flight crew members shall accede to the Arrangement. All signatories to be Civil Aviation

Administrations, or the State Entity designated by its State, as the entity to provide space weather

information to the State’s operators (obligation under Annex 3, Standard 9.1.3k).

6 States will need to make the necessary arrangements to allow the Billing and Collection Agency to

bill and collect the charge from all air operators registered within their respective State. The State

should also assume the service costs until such amendments are made.

7 The SWXCs will appoint a Billing and Collection Agency to invoice and collect the charges from air

operators and distribute accordingly to the SWXCs. In the event that an air operator defaults on

payment, the Billing and Collection Agency shall recover the charge from the air operator’s State of

Registry.

8 Based on this concept, the charge for each departure flight, as defined in paragraph 1, is estimated to

be USD 0.231. Details of the costs and calculations are provided in the Attachment E, page E-4. As

1 This amount does not include the associated costs which may be recovered by the China/Russian Federation

consortium (CRC). As per letters submitted to ICAO by the Representative of the People’s Republic of China on the

Council of ICAO on 1 November 2024 and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 30 October 2024,

the CRC Consortium has informed the Secretary General that they have extended the provision of their services at no

cost for an additional two years. As a result, the free service period has formally been extended from

C-3

also shown in Attachment E, the addition of the Administrator charge estimate has the impact of

increasing this charge by USD 0.01.

9 Cost Per Departure: Option – Operator Charge

Data parameter to determine unit cost Estimated Cost

per Departure

International and Domestic Departures (paragraph 8) USD 0.23

International Departures (paragraph 9) USD 0.542

Details of the costs and calculations are provided in Attachment E, page E-4.

10 Possible Implications of Operator Charge Option:

To establish a sufficient legal basis for billing and collecting charges from operators, any future

arrangement drafted under this option would include a provision requiring signatories to amend their

domestic laws and regulations in reference to paragraph 6. These amendments would empower the

designated billing and collecting agency to collect user charges directly from operators within the

signatories' territories.

Until such amendments are enacted, States would bear the liability for the dues of their airline operators.

This transitional arrangement ensures continuity in cost recovery while the necessary legal frameworks are

being implemented. Given that the timeline for enacting these amendments will vary among States, this

approach would temporarily create a hybrid mechanism that combines elements of both Option – Operator

Charge (Global User Charge to Operators) and Option – State Charge (Global Charge Allocation to

States).

This interim period would require careful coordination between States and the billing agency to manage

obligations and minimize disruptions, ensuring the financial sustainability of the system while maintaining

flexibility for diverse legal and administrative timelines.

— — — — — — — —

16 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. Should CRC then decide not to recover its costs, a determination will be

made on whether the provision of Paragraph 3 applies.

2 This amount also does not include the associated costs which may be recovered by the China/Russian Federation

consortium (CRC). As per letters submitted to ICAO by the Representative of the People’s Republic of China on the

Council of ICAO on 1 November 2024 and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 30 October 2024,

the CRC Consortium has informed the Secretary General that they have extended the provision of their services at no

cost for an additional two years. As a result, the free service period has formally been extended from

16 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. Should CRC then decide not to recover its costs, a determination will be

made on whether the provision of Paragraph 3 applies.

ATTACHMENT D to State letter 25/38

OPTION – STATE CHARGE

During the 233rd Session of the Council, the Small Group formulated under the Air Transport Committee

(ATC) to advance the work on cost recovery for the provision of space weather information services,

proposed a cost recovery option for the ICAO Space Weather Information Services (SWIS) based on the

allocation of the service cost to States.

The concept the Small Group presented to the Council was based on recovering the service cost only

from international aviation, as shown in paragraph 1 below. Paragraph 8 presents the cost per

departure under two scenarios: cost recovery from both international and domestic traffic, and cost

recovery from international traffic only.

The concept is as follows:

1 The global charge is allocated to States based on the proportion of global International scheduled

and non-scheduled departures by operators that are registered in that State:

ℎ =

!" + ("$'

Global ChargeState = Global Charge allocated to State by international departures of operators

registered in that State

DEPState = International Departures of Operators registered in that State

DEPGlobal = International Departures of applicable registered operators globally

COSTSWXC = Aviation-related costs of SWXCs which will be reviewed by an independent

oversight body to be decided by the Council.

COSTICAO = Administrator cost

2 The rationale is as follows:

a) Entity for allocation of global charge: States are the most appropriate entities for the allocation

of the global charge as:

i. Under Annex 3, Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation, Paragraph 9.1.3,

States are required to provide weather information, including space weather information,

Paragraph 9.1.3(k), to operators; and

ii. the ICAO SWIS is given directly to the States through the ICAO Aeronautical Fixed

Services (AFS), for subsequent dissemination to operators and other end users including

air navigation service providers, and airport operators.

D-2

b) Parameter for allocating the global charge: International (scheduled and non-scheduled)

departures as:

i. ICAO’s core mandate is international civil aviation;

ii. a cost recovery mechanism, based on departures, would best meet ICAO’s key charging

principles, as assessed by the MET Panel; and

iii. departure data was assessed by the MET Panel to be a reliable and comprehensive

parameter to be applied, as compared to available tonne-kilometres and distance flown.

3 Not all SWXCs seek to recover cost. For a State who is a SWXC, that does not seek to recover cost,

it shall not be allocated a global charge, provided the allowable SWXC costs that are borne by that

State is more than the global charge which it would have otherwise been allocated. The rationale

being, a State which bears more than its fair share of the global charge by not recovering its costs,

is reducing the overall cost burden of the ICAO SWIS on States.

4 ICAO’s role in relation to administration of the ICAO SWIS to be determined based on discussions

in the (Air Transport Committee) ATC and Council.

5 ICAO will develop the global charge allocation arrangement for the ICAO SWIS based on this

concept note and consultation with the States. States that opt to receive and use the ICAO SWIS

will accede to such arrangement. Accession is to be effected by notice, in writing, to the Secretary

General, by the head of the civil aviation administration or other such designated entity in the State.

6 Based on this arrangement, the charge for each departure flight as defined in paragraph 1 is

estimated to be USD 0.543. Details of the costs and calculations are provided in Attachment E,

page E-4. As also shown in Attachment E, the addition of the Administrator charge estimate has

the impact of increasing this charge by USD 0.01.

7 It is important to clarify that a Global Charge Allocation to States does not constitute a State

Assessment under the Regular Programme. As such, it does not carry the same implications

typically associated with assessments under that framework. Specifically, the State Charge option

does not entail any risk of State-level diplomatic consequences, including the loss of voting rights

in the event of payment defaults. This distinction ensures that the financial mechanism operates

independently of the formal obligations and privileges tied to State Assessments, maintaining a

focus on equitable cost recovery without impacting diplomatic standing.

3 This amount does not include the associated costs which may be recovered by the China/Russian Federation

consortium (CRC). As per letters submitted to ICAO by the Representative of the People’s Republic of China on the

Council of ICAO on 1 November 2024 and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 30 October 2024,

the CRC Consortium has informed the Secretary General that they have extended the provision of their services at no

cost for an additional two years. As a result, the free service period has formally been extended from

16 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. Should CRC then decide not to recover its costs, a determination will be

made on whether the provision of Paragraph 3 applies.

D-3

8 Cost Per Departure: Option – State Charge

Data parameter to determine unit cost Estimated Cost

per Departure

International Departures (paragraph 6) USD 0.54

International and Domestic Departures (paragraph 7) USD 0.234

Details of the costs and calculations are provided in Attachment E, page E-4.

9 Possible Implications of State Charge Option:

States may opt to recover their costs directly from airline operators. To streamline this process, invoicing

can be structured based on airline departures registered within the respective State’s jurisdiction. This

method ensures a clear and transparent mechanism for allocating charges to the appropriate carriers.

In cases of payment defaults, the consequences could extend beyond financial concerns. Sustained and

significant payment shortfalls may impair the service providers' ability to maintain essential operations,

potentially leading to disruptions in service delivery. Such disruptions could adversely affect not only the

airlines themselves but also the broader aviation network and passenger safety.

The impact on each State will vary depending on whether this charging option is based on both international

and domestic traffic or on international traffic only. This variation may result in either an increase or a

decrease in the overall cost allocation to a given State, depending on its traffic profile.

— — — — — — — —

4 This amount also does not include the associated costs which may be recovered by the China/Russian Federation

consortium (CRC). As per letters submitted to ICAO by the Representative of the People’s Republic of China on the

Council of ICAO on 1 November 2024 and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on 30 October 2024,

the CRC Consortium has informed the Secretary General that they have extended the provision of their services at no

cost for an additional two years. As a result, the free service period has formally been extended from

16 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. Should CRC then decide not to recover its costs, a determination will be

made on whether the provision of Paragraph 3 applies.

ATTACHMENT E to State letter 25/38

COMPUTATION OF CHARGE PER DEPARTURE

Operational Cost Global Space Weather Centres

SWXC/State Institutions

(State-owned)

Estimated costs per annum (USD) 5 %

Aviation vs

Full Full Space Weather

Service

Aviation-related

Space Weather

Service

PECASUS

Finland Finnish Meteorological

Institute 3,745,000 824,042 22%

Netherlands Royal Netherlands

Meteorological Institute 947,000 179,913 19%

United Kingdom UK Met Office 2,296,000 68,894 3%

Germany The Deutsches Zentrum

für Luft- und Raumfahrt 1,392,000 306,246 22%

Belgium

Royal Observatory of

Belgium, Royal

Meteorological Institute

and Royal Belgian

Institute for Space

Aeronomy

2,847,000 564,301 20%

Poland

Space Research Centre of

the Polish Academy of

Sciences

1,047,000 327,785 31%

Austria Seibersdorf Laboratories6 514,000 334,490 65%

Italy

National Institute of

Geophysics and

Volcanology

1,110,000 313,152 28%

Cyprus Frederick University 94,000 17,041 18%

Sub-Total 13,992,000 2,935,864 21%

5 Costs reflect 2023 operational cost estimates as provided by the Service Providers for inclusion in C-WP/15447,

presented to the Council during the 227th Session in November 2022. 6 Majority State-owned

E-2

SWXC/State Institutions

(State-owned)

Estimated costs per annum (USD) 7 %

Aviation vs Full Full Space Weather

Service

Aviation-related

Space Weather

Service

ACFJ

Australia Australian Bureau of

Meteorology8 6,753,136 742,845 11%

Canada Natural Resources

Canada 5,081,618 1,249,960 25%

France

Collecte Localisation

Satellite, European

Satellite Services

Provider, Météo-

France

1,727,502 1,641,127 95%

Japan

National Institute of

Information and

Communications

Technology

3,000,000 20,700 1%

Sub-total 16,562,256 3,654,632 22%

Total Cost SWXC 30,554,256 6,590,496 22%

Additional information:

The Independent Oversight Task Force (Attachment B, paragraph 3.7 refers), reviewed the reasonableness of

the justifications for these aviation-related costs provided by the SWXCs. Their report is presented in

Attachment F

The annual total service cost is calculated using estimated costs for the upcoming year, with an adjustment to

account for the difference between the previous year’s estimated and actual costs. The cost is allocated among

airlines or States based on departure data from the previous year. The billing frequency will be established in

consideration of the applicable charging option.

The costs comprise eight components: Observations, Information technology, Analysis and modeling,

Forecasting and dissemination of advisories, Training, Quality and service management, Research and

development, Administrative and Overhead costs as described in further detail at Attachment G.

As noted in Attachments C and D, the total aviation related service cost does not include the associated costs

of the China/Russian Federation consortium (CRC). As per letters submitted to ICAO by the Representative

of the People’s Republic of China on the Council of ICAO on 1 November 2024 and the Ministry of Transport

of the Russian Federation on 30 October 2024, the CRC Consortium has informed the Secretary General that

7 Costs reflect 2023 operational cost estimates as provided by the Service Providers for inclusion in C-WP/15447,

presented to the Council during the 227th Session in November 2022. 8 Majority State-owned

E-3

they have extended the provision of their services at no cost for an additional two years. As a result, the free

service period has formally been extended from 16 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. Should CRC then

decide not to recover its costs, a determination will be made on whether the provision of Paragraph 3 of

Attachments C and D applies.

As noted in Attachment B, paragraph 2.2, South Africa is currently preparing to commence operational service

as a Regional Space Weather Centre in support of the global space weather centres under the SWIS framework.

It is anticipated that the associated costs will be integrated into the overall cost structure.

Per Departure Charge

1 DATA

1.1 DATA - Domestic and International Departures (2019 data)

Total domestic departures = 25,046,583

Total international departures = 13,187,501

Total combined departures: 38,234,084

International and domestic departures of State of SWXC9 = 10,058,757

Domestic and International Departures (applicable) = 28,175,327

1.2 DATA - International Departures (2019 data)

Total international departures = 13,187,501

International departures of State of SWXC10 = 1,033,862

International Departures (applicable) = 12,153,639

2 ADMINISTRATION COST ESTIMATES

2.1 Administrator Cost – provisional

Salary cost using 2025 budget rates:

G5 (317/day x 15) = CAD 4,755

P2 (716/day x 30) = CAD 21,480

P5 (1189/day x 30) = CAD 35,670

Total salary = CAD 61,905

Operational costs = CAD 35,000

Total cost = CAD 96,905 per annum

CostICAO = USD 72,000 per annum

9 Computaon based on Paragraph 3 of Aachments C and D

10 Computaon based on Paragraph 3 of Aachments C and D

E-4

2.2 Billing and Collection Agency – costs to be determined

Option – Operator Charge Option – State Charge

ℎ =

)*+,-./0-

!" + $%&'

Global ChargeOperator = Global Charge allocated to an Air Operator

DEPOperator = International and domestic or international departures

of Air Operator

DEPGlobal = International and domestic or International

departures of Air Operators globally

COSTSWXC = Aviation-related costs of SWXCs which will be

reviewed by an independent oversight body to be

decided by the Council

COSTADM = Billing and Collection Agency and Administrator cost

ℎ =

)*+,-./0-

!" + ("$'

Global ChargeState = Global Charge allocated to a State of operators

registered in that State

DEPState = International and domestic or international departures

of Air Operators registered in a State

DEPGlobal = International and domestic or International departures

applicable registered operators globally

COSTSWXC = Aviation-related costs of SWXCs which will be reviewed

by an independent oversight body to be decided by the

Council

COSTICAO = Administrator cost

Estimated Operator Charge

per International and Domestic Departure Administrator and Billing and

Collection Agency costs not included

(CostSWXC + CostADMIN)/ International and Domestic Departures

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + CostADMIN) / 28,175,327 (E3, para.1.1)

USD 0.23

Estimated Operator Charge

per International and Domestic Departure Administrator cost estimate included

Billing and Collection Agency costs not included

(CostSWXC + CostADMIN)/ International and Domestic Departures

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + USD 72,000) (E3, para.2.1) / 28,175,327 (E3, para.1.1)

USD 0.24

Estimated State Charge

per International and Domestic Departure Administrator costs not included

(CostSWXC + CostICAO)/ International and Domestic Departures

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + CostICAO) / 28,175,327 (E3, para.1.1)

USD 0.23

Estimated State Charge

per International and Domestic Departure Administrator cost included

(CostSWXC + CostICAO)/ International and Domestic Departures

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + USD 72,000) (E3, para.2.1) / 28,175,327 (E3, para.1.1)

USD 0.24

Estimated Operator Charge

per International Departure Administrator and Billing and

Collection Agency costs not included

(CostSWXC + CostADMIN)/ International

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + CostADMIN) / 12,153,639 (E3, para.1.2)

USD 0.54

Estimated Operator Charge

per International Departure Administrator cost estimate included

Billing and Collection Agency costs not included

(CostSWXC + CostADMIN)/ International

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + USD 72,000) (E3, para.2.1) / 12,153,639 (E3, para.1.2)

USD 0.55

Estimated State Charge

per International Departure Administrator costs not included

(CostSWXC + CostICAO)/ International

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + CostICAO) / 12,153,639 (E3, para.1.2)

USD 0.54

Estimated State Charge

per International Departure Administrator cost included

(CostSWXC + CostICAO)/ International

(USD 6,590,496 (E2) + USD 72,000) (E3, para.2.1) / 12,153,639 (E3, para.1.2)

USD 0.55

— — — — — — — —

ATTACHMENT F to State letter 25/38

F-2

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F-7

F-8

F-9

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F-11

F-12

F-13

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F-15

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F-17

F-18

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F-20

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F-22

ATTACHMENT G to State letter 25/38

COMPONENTS OF THE COSTS

RECOVERED BY THE SPACE WEATHER CENTRES

1 Observations

1.1 The provision of Space Weather information services is dependent upon the reliable collection,

processing and analysis of observations on the sun’s activity and its effects on Earth. Global Space Weather

Centres (SWXC) were designated based on their pre-existing capability to monitor specific space weather

phenomena and thus the capability preceded the introduction of the ICAO SWX information service to

international civil aviation.

1.2 For each type of effect, Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), High Frequency Communication

(HFCOM) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the relevant space weather parameters are

monitored 24/7. This involves space-based measurements by the Geostationary Operational Environmental

Satellite (GOES) of solar flare X-rays that lead to HF radio absorption on the dayside and the GOES

measurements of the proton flux that causes HF radio absorption in the polar cap and radiation hazards at

aviation altitudes.

1.3 The observations are carried out using a range of different observation equipment. The equipment

includes, but is not limited to the following:

a) Riometers

b) Ionosondes

c) Magnetometers

d) GNSS receivers

e) Scintillation receivers

f) Neutron monitors

1.4 A wide range of ground-based instruments are used to measure ionospheric parameters that affect

HF radio communication and GNSS positioning. Riometers are used to measure HF radio absorption and

ionosondes are used to measure Maximum Useable Frequency (MUF) depression, both of which impact

HF radio communications. GNSS receivers measure the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere that

affects the accuracy of GNSS positioning and scintillation receivers detect the ionospheric effects that

disrupt the reception of GNSS signals. Magnetometers also provide information on the magnetic activity

that is an additional indicator of ionospheric disturbances and is used to generate the Kp magnetic index

used as the trigger for auroral absorption advisories. Neutron monitor data are used in the assessment of

radiation level at flight altitudes.

2 Information Technology

2.1 Extensive data collection, computing and distribution systems are needed to underpin the

monitoring and modelling functions. The data from satellites, or often-remote ground-based

monitoring sites, have to be transmitted, in close to real time, to central data collection sites. To

provide robust services (and as specified in the ICAO requirements for space weather service

G-2

providers) these data collection sites are duplicated so that there is no interruption in service if one

site is put out of action. The data collection sites provide the capabilities for reception, validation

and storage of monitoring data and then onward distribution of monitoring data to the other global

centres. In addition, these sites provide the computing infrastructure for running the models

described in section (2) and distributing the model outputs to the other global centres.

3 Analysis and modeling

3.1 Extensive modelling capabilities are needed to produce the space weather advisories. These

models use the measured values from the monitoring data, combined with physics knowledge,

to generate the parameters that are of importance to aviation. For example, the GOES particle

measurements at satellite altitude are used with magnetic field and atmospheric models to determine

the latitudes reached by the particles and the radiation hazard that is produced at different altitudes.

3.2 For HF radio absorption, the D-Region Absorption Prediction (D-RAP) model uses GOES

proton data and X-ray measurements with magnetic field and ionospheric physics to generate maps

of the D- region absorption at high latitudes (due to the particles) as well as at low latitudes (due to

the X-ray flux). Magnetic field monitoring data are utilized to produce the Kp-index which is

currently used as a proxy for auroral absorption. More detailed auroral absorption models are under

development. To identify regions of MUF depression requires processing of the raw ionosonde

records to produce MUF values and then mapping and comparison with ‘normal’ conditions to

provide a measure of the MUF depression needed for the space weather advisories.

3.3 To derive values of the ionospheric TEC, it requires processing of the raw GNSS

measurements to produce slant TEC values along the satellite-receiver path, and then considerable

work to generate global maps of TEC from which areas affected by space weather events can be

identified. Similar work is needed to map the monitoring data obtained from scintillation receivers.

4 Forecasting and dissemination of advisories

4.1 The On-Duty Centre (ODC) is responsible for providing all necessary services to provide space

weather advisories in real time. This involves systems that automatically check for threshold

exceedances for any of the space weather parameters. Quality control checks to be certain that the

threshold exceedance was not noise in the data but was due to a real space weather event. Generation

of space weather advisories, either automatically or manually depending on the centre; then

distribution of the space weather advisories via the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunications Network

(AFTN).

4.2 Due to the nature of the global service, costs are distributed between four global centres. This

division of duties is reflected in the costs related to the forecasting and dissemination of advisories.

5 Training

5.1 Service Providers are required to provide training of new forecast staff as qualified Space

Weather forecasting personnel and ongoing training for operational staff. The training requirement

G-3

extends also for local aviation customers to understand the products and ensure they are used as

intended.

6 Quality and service management

6.1 The management of the global SWX information service includes attendance in relevant ICAO

and consortium meetings and user consultations, operational management of the service provision,

preparation of relevant documentation, audits, and reporting on operational aspects of the service.

7 Research and development

7.1 The aviation industry is being provided with the best information that is possible with current

state of the art equipment. Space weather is not a mature science and there are many areas where new

scientific findings can be expected in the future that will lead to improved space weather forecasts.

Even with the existing models being used, there is considerable room for improvement. For

example, models for some parameters are based on the limited data that was available in the past

when the model was developed but now new data shows differences between the model outputs and

observations, and this is being used to revise the models. In some cases, the models run by

different centres produce different results.

7.2 The needs of the ICAO services are stimulating considerable collaborative work between the

global centres. Ongoing research and development by the global centres, singly and jointly, is needed

to take advantage of new developments in space weather science to improve the space weather

services for aviation.

8 Administrative costs and overhead

8.1 Administrative costs and overhead include, but are not limited to, costs of support

services (general IT-infrastructure services, general training, financial and personnel administration

etc.), unit-level costs (general management, public relations and internal communications, premises,

electricity & water, office supplies and other unit- level costs), 24/7 maintenance of the message

switch and AFTN/AMHS connections as well as maintenance of communication tools between

within consortia partners and between the four global centres.

— END —