1.1 The purpose of this circular is to provide information on operational trials of Departure clearance service (DCL service) using datalink at:
1. OEAB - Abha/Abha Airport.
2. OEJN - Jeddah / King Abdulaziz International Airport.
3. OERK - Riyadh / King khaled International Airport .
4. OEDF - Dammam / King Fahd International Airport.
5. OEMA - Madinah / Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
6. OEGS - Gassim / Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Airport.

  2.1 The Departure clearance DCL using datalink is a digital messaging system used as mean of communication between ATC and Pilots for Clearance delivery. It is used as an alternative or backup to VHF voice communication for non-urgent or time-critic a communication. It is expected that the DCL will enhance the current clearance delivery service at Dammam, Abha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Gassim and Madinah Towers.
2.2 The Departure clearance (DCL) function is integrated in the ATM/EFIS system deployed at ATC Towers and has the capabilities to exchange datalink messages with FANS 1/A+ equipped aircraft. The processing of messages is achieved by the Air-Ground datalink processing (AGDLP) and the Flight data processing (FDP) function.The DCL function is compliant with ED-85A specification (ED-85A-datalink Application system document (DLASD) for DCL datalink service).

  3.1 The DCL service will be available from the moment the datalink communication is established (LOGON) for clearance delivery until the time the aircraft starts taxiing. When the aircraft is taxing, ATC clearance revision will be only be using VHF communication.
3.2 The DCL service will be initiated on Pilot DCL request, preferably before the Estimated off block time (EOBT).

4.1 To access DCL service, the following AFTN LOGON addresses should be used depending on the Airport of departure:
1. JEDDAH TOWER is JEDDAYA
2. RIYADH TOWER is RUHDAYA
3. MADINA TOWER is MEDDAYA
4. DAMMAM TOWER is DMMCAYA
5. GASSIM TOWER is ELQBAYA
6. ABHA TOWER is AHBAAYA

  5.1 The Operational trials of DCL service were started in Abha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Gassim and Madinah. These trials will remain for 60 days starting from 29 SEP 2023 allowing ATCOs and Pilots to be familiar with the DCL service and features and identify any site specific issues.
5.2 Once the Operational trials are assessed satisfactory, The DCL service through datalink will be declared available for clearance delivery and details will be published under AD2.20 section for each aerodrome.

  6.1 For further information on DCL service through datalink described in this AIC, please use the following contact details:     AIC 05/23 Hereby replaced.