Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information purposes only and does not replace, amend or override the terms of any applicable licence agreement. In the event of any inconsistency, the licence agreement prevails.
Introduction
Airservices Australia provides a range of aeronautical data products to support aviation applications, operational systems, analytics platforms, and other aviation-related services.
This guide outlines key considerations for organisations and developers seeking to access, integrate, or commercialise Airservices aeronautical data. It is intended to provide general guidance only and should be read alongside the applicable licence agreement.
For product information, availability, formats and subscription options, browse the catalogue on the home page of the Data.Airservices portal.
Understanding Licensing Requirements
Use of Airservices' aeronautical data requires a license, including activities such as:
- Storing data within an application or system
- Processing or interpreting data electronically
- Displaying information to users
- Redistributing information derived from Airservices data
- Developing and testing applications using licensed data
Organisations should carefully consider whether their use is for internal operational purposes or forms part of a commercial product or service provided to others.
For Product Groups A-K, Airservices' applies the following standard license terms linked below:
At this time, for the Flight Briefing Data (NAIPS) product, Airservices uses a different license which can be obtained from Airservices on request. However, the core aspects of the licensing terms are consistent and the general considerations in this guide also apply.
Most licensing obligations generally commence when a licence agreement is entered into (including the payment of fees), rather than when an application is released or commercialised.
Choosing the right data products
Airservices offers a range of aeronautical information products designed for different use cases.
Because application requirements vary considerably, developers are responsible for determining which products best meet their needs. Information regarding available products, delivery methods, technical formats, and associated fees is available through this portal.
Product-related fees stated on each product page are subscription fees charged annually unless otherwise stated, and are inclusive of GST. Airservices reviews its product pricing annually, prior to 1 July.
Where available, sample datasets may be provided to assist organisations in evaluating technical suitability. Access to and use of any sample data is subject to the relevant sample data licence conditions.
Maintaining data currency and updates
Maintaining the accuracy and currency of aeronautical information is a fundamental responsibility of the licensee.
Where data is distributed through an application or service, organisations must ensure that users have access to the latest available information and updates.
This responsibility applies regardless of whether data is displayed online, synchronised to a local device, or made available through offline functionality.
Developers should therefore implement processes that:
- Regularly obtain amendments and updates
- Replace superseded information
- Validate successful update deployment
Commercialisation
Developers intending to commercialise products that utilise Airservices data should review the applicable commercial licensing arrangements carefully.
Commercial licences include the payment of:
- Annual fixed licence fees for each product you subscribe to; and,
- End User Charges or royalties based on revenue generated from commercialised products (note you are required, per royalty period, to pay the greater of the End User Charge or the Royalty only, not both)
The royalty calcualation methodology can be viewed the license agreement. A key part of the royalty calculation is the determination of the Data Use Percentage. Airservices cannot provide a definitive method on how to calculate this, as it is heavily impacted by the content and structure of your product offering. The following factors may contribute to how the Data Use Percentage or revenue may be determined:
- Whether or not you segregate the provision of Airservices data, or data updates more generally from your core application
- The contribution of other data sources to your product
- Geographical extent of your product
We are happy to provide advice on the suitability of a calculation that has been informed by the construct of your proposed product.
Developers should ensure they fully understand all commercial obligations before launching a product to market.
Use in Air Navigation
Additional obligations may apply where applications are intended for use in air navigation or operational decision-making.
Depending on the nature of the product and its intended use, organisations may need to consider:
- Authorisations required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (eg. CASR Part 175)
- Insurance obligations as outlined in the license agreement
- Operational risk management requirements
- Application disclaimers and use limitations
Statements such as "Not for use in air navigation" do not automatically remove licensing, insurance or regulatory considerations. Developers should review the relevant licence requirements carefully before subscribing to any products provided by Airservices and before deploying any products to market.
Seeking a license
Organisations seeking access to aeronautical data should commence the subscription process through the relevant product page on the portal.
When submitting an order, you should be prepared to describe:
- Your organisation
- The proposed application or service
- Intended users
- Distribution model
- Data products required
- Whether the use is internal or commercial
- The anticipated operational purpose of the application
Providing clear and complete information assists in the efficient assessment of licensing requirements.
Further information
The information in this guide is intended as a general overview only.
Detailed rights, obligations, restrictions and compliance requirements are contained within the applicable licence agreement and should always be reviewed before accessing or using Airservices aeronautical data.
If you have any further queries, contact: