1. OPMET information in alphanumeric format (METAR, SPECI, TAF, TAF AMD, SIGMET, AIRMET, volcanic ash and tropical advisories), received at the London and Washington WAFCs is uplinked to the SADIS and ISCS(1) and ISCS(2) satellite broadcasts for dissemination globally to States having appropriate VSAT receiving equipment.

2. The ICAO satellite broadcasts are expected to be Y2K compliant but they depend on the collection of OPMET information messages via the AFTN. If any parts of the AFTN break down temporarily due to the Y2K problem, arranging for alternative means of transmission of the OPMET information to the two WAFCs and/or one or more of the two-way VSAT stations could provide a valuable contingency resource for the global dissemination of OPMET information.

3. Annex V of the Plan identifies that in the event of failure of a main trunk circuits between COM centres, then normal alternate routing as specified in the Asia/Pacific routing directory will occur to facilitate the OPMET exchange. In the event of failure of the AFTN, possible options for communication means for the Y2K contingency include GTS, ARINC/SITA and internet access to the ASIA/PAC ROBEX OPMET data banks, since the two-way VSATs have not been installed in the ASIA/PAC Regions.

4. Although it was recognized that use of GTS in the ASIA/PAC Regions is not viable since it is heavily loaded and not easily accessible from ATS centres, the GTS should be considered in the region, if possible, for delivery of OPMET data to the two WAFCs for the satellite broadcasts uplink.

5. Development of global arrangements for SITA Y2K back-up will not be possible. It is recommended, therefore, that, SITA/ARINC circuits should be used for making specific regional contingency arrangements for OPMET collection to provide support to the effected parts of the AFTN. This might entail OPMET information being inserted at airline company offices at aerodromes by the aerodrome meteorological office and meteorological watch office (MWO) for onward delivery to AFTN switching centres, the ASIA/PAC ROBEX OPMET data banks and to London and Washington WAFCs.

6. The ROBEX OPMET Data Banks in the ASIA/PAC Regions are located at Bangkok, Brisbane, Nadi, Singapore and Tokyo. The Brisbane AIS/OPMET Data Bank is accessed from a web browser through the Airservices Australia home page <http://www.airservices.gov.au> and then selecting the Pilot Briefing item. A full list of OPMET data held by the system is given in the ASIA/PAC ICD for OPMET Data Bank Access procedures (Second Edition, 1998). Additional data including MET charts (SIGWX, etc.) will also be available. A logon capability will be provided until early 2000 for users without an AvFax user code and this will allow the system to be freely accessed as Y2K contingency in the event of failure of other services or communication links.

7. The Tokyo OPMET Data Bank will be accessed via the Internet effective November 1999. The relevant facilities will be provided in the Bangkok OPMET Data Bank in December 1999. States will be advised regarding the access procedures as soon as it is provided by the data banks.

8. It is recommended that similar arrangements should, where possible, be made available to access other ASIA/PAC data banks. ICAO Regional Office, Bangkok should be advised whether such access has been made available or not by 1 September 1999.

9. Routine air reports are received primarily through ATS communications units and airlines and would have to be subject to further consideration. These routine messages is not covered by the contingency arrangements. Special air reports are safety messages.

10. In the event of failure of AFTN minimum OPMET information to support aircraft operations under the contingency arrangements, would be required in the following order of priority:

15. WAFC Washington will have additional personnel to deal with telephone, fax and internet as alternate means to collect OPMET data. Since the ISCS/2 is fully Y2K compliant it is not envisioned that a backup is necessary. However, the OPMET data and graphics are available on the Internet. In addition, all necessary flight document information is available on the Internet as well as by fax.

16. All data/products that are provided by the United States NOAA National Weather Service to the OPMET users are available on the http server. The OPMET users can obtain the required information via Internet at the URL :

17. The United States Aviation Weather Centre in Kansas City makes the products available via the Internet at :

18. In the event of failure of the AFTN, the volcanic ash advisory information can be obtained using the web sites as provided in Attachment to this Annex.