The Manila Aeronautical Fixed Service (AFS) is concrete result of the evolution of data communications. The most efficient, cost effective, and secured form of aviation communications that utilized the latest in computer and networking technology to satisfy the demand of air safety and economy. The new AFTN/AMHS (Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network/Automatic Message Handling System) system being used is a remarkable feat in hardware and software design since most of the components are COTS or commercial-of-the-shelf whereby readily available in the market. Manila AFS is currently tasked to provide Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) service primarily for the safety of air navigation and for the regular, efficient and economical operation of air services. With the advent of CNS/ATM (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management), Manila AFS is ready to transform from AFTN to ATN (Aeronautical Telecommunication Network) and will be providing ground-ground data communications.
1971. Manila AFS acquired the ES-2 Semi-Automatic Push Button Torn Tape System from Philips of Holland. The equipment was installed at the old MIA (Manila International Airport) building which later burned down in the middle of 1972, Manila AFS temporarily transferred operations to a makeshift building using United States made teletypewriters (M-28 Teletype models) and resorted to manual torn tape AFTN.
1974. Manila AFS transferred to a new building called AFC or Airways Facilities Complex, just a few meters from the makeshift building, and together with this new building was the new TOSBAC 40 Automatic Teletype Message Switching System (ATMS). The terminals used with this system were the Okityper 4500 ASR with paper tape puncher and reader. In the middle of 90s the Okityper 4500 were replaced with an advance dot matrix type Okitex 100N telex machines. TOSBAC 40 was acquired with the Japan Reparation Program and saw action for 15 years.
1989. The TOSBAC 7/70E replaced the TOSBAC 40. This new Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) replaced all teletypewriters and telex equipped facilities with keyboard and CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The system was acquired through Philippine-Japan Project Loan. Local correspondents were connected to the system with OKITEX 300 CRT based telex terminals.
2006. After serving for 17 years, the TOSBAC 7/70 ATMS was replaced by the AIDA-NG AFTN/AMHS. COMSOFT of Germany supplied and installed this AFTN/AMHS combination system in preparation for CNS/ATM. The hardware and most software components are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS). The system design is based on Eurocontrol specifications and the first of its kind in operation in the Asia and Pacific region.