GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
ATC (Air Traffic Control)
The moment an aircraft enters controlled airspace, Air Traffic Control (ATC) takes over: qualified controllers in area control centres, approach facilities, and airport towers issue binding clearances covering altitude, heading, and speed.
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Source: https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/pages/atm.aspx
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Logistics Concept
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Definition & Explanation
The moment an aircraft enters controlled airspace, Air Traffic Control (ATC) takes over: qualified controllers in area control centres, approach facilities, and airport towers issue binding clearances covering altitude, heading, and speed. The core objective is maintaining prescribed separation minima – both horizontal and vertical – to prevent collisions and keep traffic moving efficiently. ATC is structured into distinct phases: ground movement control, departure and approach control, and en-route area control. For air freight operators, ATC holds and delayed departure clearances translate directly into missed slot times and late deliveries, making controller decisions a tangible operational variable. ATC should not be confused with Air Traffic Management (ATM), the broader framework within which ATC operates as one component.
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