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⏱ Estimated reading time: 6 minutesProperly validating your Form A not only prevents corrections and delays from the aviation authority: it also strengthens your airline’s credibility, enhances your internal analysis, and enables the construction of more reliable operational indicators. Below you will find five simple yet highly effective tips you can apply before submitting your Form A to the authority.<figure id="figure-0zpv6xa5xmiqqq2ud"><img id="0zpv6xa5xmiqqq2ud" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1416065725/photo/confused-young-businesswoman-looking-at-computer-screen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2FhJTrp5YTWPbD6GJY6xScvkk0gt7WhqPxmX928_CjA=" alt="Confused young businesswoman looking at computer screen." title="Confused young businesswoman looking at computer screen." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1416065725/photo/confused-young-businesswoman-looking-at-computer-screen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2FhJTrp5YTWPbD6GJY6xScvkk0gt7WhqPxmX928_CjA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>1. Ensure that the Passenger Load Factor (PLF) and the Weight Load Factor (WLF) remain below 100%</h3>The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) is one of the most sensitive indicators for detecting inconsistencies:<ul><li>PLF = (RPK / ASK) × 100</li><li>A PLF above 100% always indicates an error.</li></ul>For the overall traffic:<ul><li>WLF = (RTK / ATK) × 100 If RTK exceeds ATK, there is an error in one of the components.</li></ul>Remember: your traffic performed can never exceed your available capacity, neither in seats nor in total weight, both for operational safety and statistical consistency.<h2>2. Ensure that your indicators are coherent with the fleet your airline operates</h2>Averages are a powerful tool for evaluating operational reality.Ensure that:The average speed is reasonable:<ul><li>No commercial aircraft can fly faster than the speed of sound.</li><li>Values at or above 1,000 km/h are impossible (except for the retired Concorde).</li><li>Extremely low values are also unrealistic: aircraft do not fly at 100 km/h; many cars exceed that speed.</li><li>The average stage length aligns with your domestic and international routes, in both scheduled and non-scheduled services.</li><li>The average number of seats corresponds to your actual fleet. For example, if your fleet consists of ATR72 and ATR42 aircraft, the average number of seats cannot be above 80 or below 40.</li><li>The average total payload capacity (seats + belly cargo hold) falls within the technical limits of each aircraft type.</li></ul>If any of these parameters fall outside a realistic range, the authority will detect it immediately—and yes, they will send you unpleasant emails.<figure id="figure-sm6qogrmbhmiqr1s0a"><img id="sm6qogrmbhmiqr1s0a" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35tE6BaSPPcvP2ACo309ka3wEbfjRC3ub3yDEZW0843w2B9VWkUmhn87tsXhRrdd.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="small" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35tE6BaSPPcvP2ACo309ka3wEbfjRC3ub3yDEZW0843w2B9VWkUmhn87tsXhRrdd.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>3. Calculate PTK, FTK and MTK correctly (and remember how RTK is formed)</h2>An airline generates three types of traffic:⏱ Estimated reading time: 6 minutes<ul><li>RPK (Revenue Passenger-Kilometres)</li><li>FTK (Freight Tonne-Kilometres)</li><li>MTK (Mail Tonne-Kilometres) &nbsp;Total traffic performed (RTK) is always expressed in tonne-kilometres, which is where many errors occur.</li></ul><blockquote>Golden rule: always add apples with apples and oranges with oranges.</blockquote>Applied to Form A:<ul><li>RPK = Passengers × Distance → apple</li><li>FTK = Freight × Distance → orange</li><li>MTK = Mail × Distance → orange To convert passengers into tonnes (PTK) and turn them into oranges:</li><li>Apply an average weight of 80–100 kg to RPK</li></ul>Now you can add all traffic components under a single metric:<ul><li>RTK = PTK + FTK + MTK</li><li>ATK = Total payload capacity × Distance A separate blog article will explore in more detail why RPK and PTK are NOT the same.</li></ul><figure id="figure-vq56b8ij0fmiqqt62w"><img id="vq56b8ij0fmiqqt62w" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2134720974/photo/fruits.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=A8vrsAyJbLAqChThpPp0eYsgyK-yGRMTUSdI4A6GsLw=" alt="Fruits" title="Fruits" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2134720974/photo/fruits.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=A8vrsAyJbLAqChThpPp0eYsgyK-yGRMTUSdI4A6GsLw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>&nbsp;4. If you operate all-freight traffic, integrate it correctly in the columns and in the totals</h2>Common errors include:<ul><li>Not placing all- freight traffic in its corresponding column.</li><li>Omitting FTK, MTK or ATK in 100% cargo operations.</li><li>Not including these values in the “Total for all services” column.</li></ul> &nbsp;Always ensure that:<ul><li>All-freight services are recorded correctly in their specific columns (international/domestic and scheduled/non-scheduled).</li><li>They are always included in the: Total all services. To remember it easily:</li></ul><blockquote>Total all services &gt; all-freight services</blockquote>This means that all-freight columns must always be lower than the “Total all services” column, as all-freight traffic is part of that total.<h2>5. Check internal consistency: if you report a type of traffic, you must report its associated indicators</h2>This point may seem obvious, yet it is one of the most common errors:<ul><li>If you report passengers, there must be:</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>RPK</li><li>PTK</li></ul><ul><li>If you report cargo, there must be:</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>FTK and/or MTK</li></ul><ul><li>A row containing PTK, FTK or MTK without ATK is inconsistent.</li><li>A row with passengers but without RPK/PTK is also inconsistent.</li></ul><h2>BONUS</h2><ul><li>Report monthly (ideally), not cumulatively or truncated. This allows clear identification of trends and abnormal behaviours.</li><li>Mind the units: All distance-based indicators (RPK, ASK, PTK, FTK, MTK, RTK, ATK) are reported in thousands (‘000).</li><li>Passengers are whole numbers. There is no such thing as “0.4 passengers”.</li><li>Do not forget to include the month and year you are reporting. It seems unbelievable, but it happens more often than one might expect.</li><li>We will also discuss in another article how to avoid confusing RTK and ATK with indicators that correspond strictly to cargo operations. &nbsp;<h2>Conclusion</h2></li></ul>Validating Form A relies on consistency, technical coherence, and an accurate reflection of actual operations. Applying these five controls (plus the bonus) will reduce corrections, strengthen the reliability of your statistics, and enhance the quality of your institutional reporting. We know that Form A is perhaps the most complex, detailed and labour-intensive of all the ATRs: it requires multiple checks, cross-calculations, and close attention to the consistency of every variable. For many airlines, this process is exhausting, time-consuming, and frankly overwhelming.At Icarus Aviation Analytics, through our ATRs Generator and ATRs Done for You services, we transform this process into something simpler, faster, and far more reliable. We take care of all technical verifications, internal consistency, comparability, and the correct structure of the form, allowing your team to focus on what truly matters: operating and making decisions with trustworthy data.The PDF version of this article includes a complete glossary of acronyms with definitions of all indicators used, to support easy reference and practical use within your airline.<h2>📣 Stay tuned for what’s coming next… In the next blog articles, we will share key validation tips for the remaining official forms:</h2> ✨ Form C ✨ Form DA complete, practical guide to ensure your entire statistical operation is coherent, aligned, and 100% error-free.<h2>Visit our website, book a video call, or send us an email — we’d love to hear from you!</h2> ➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=14PpEVgmFHiepU43lHxMEcpC0idqnXYK3" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=14PpEVgmFHiepU43lHxMEcpC0idqnXYK3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download the ICARUS Insights Series Nº 5 (PDF)</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1GLzPMdQEdkCVtGTD-NivS9f0ooJ95-6t" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1GLzPMdQEdkCVtGTD-NivS9f0ooJ95-6t" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Descargar ICARUS Insights Series Nº 5 (PDF)</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1Y8fKd3xMAHB6MYENP6jCuXGKs2VGQXk4" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1Y8fKd3xMAHB6MYENP6jCuXGKs2VGQXk4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Télécharger ICARUS Insights Série Nº 5 (PDF)</a>

5 Essential Tips to Validate Your Form A   (and Avoid Corrections from the Authority)

Financial consultant explaining new project investment to young couple in office

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesIn many airlines, the preparation of ATRs remains a tedious, manual, and error-prone process: duplicated figures, miscounted traffic, incorrect units, or indicators that simply do not reconcile across forms.The key point —and the main takeaway— is that the forms are designed to function as an internal quality-control system: Form A and Form B must reconcile with each other. If they do not match → there is an error at the source of your report.Based on more than a decade of analysing and validating traffic statistics, here are 5 essential tips to validate your ATRs before submitting them to the authority<h2>&nbsp; 1. Passengers and cargo in Form B must match those in Form A</h2>Form B reports international passengers, cargo, and mail by origin and destination (O&amp;D), in both scheduled and non-scheduled services. Form A reports totals by type of service and flight stage.✔ The sum of international passengers and mail in Form B must match the international total in Form A. ✔ This applies to both scheduled and non-scheduled services.<blockquote>If they do not match → traffic is being omitted or misclassified.</blockquote><h2>&nbsp;2. The official source of traffic is the flight coupon and the air waybill</h2>All passengers, cargo, and mail in Form B must be based strictly on:• Flight coupon (for passengers) • Air Waybill (AWB) (for cargo and mail)This ensures that Form A and Form B are fed from the same operational source. <figure id="figure-rtalqkrk2lmijk9w0j"><img id="rtalqkrk2lmijk9w0j" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2197973265/photo/hindu-woman-indian-girl-arabian-female-at-home-prepare-for-trip-packing-clothes-summer-hat-in.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YL2K4kYDDlw9RCdNrfp_nOzVFQw2SIbSe5pN-jpjufc=" alt="Hindu woman Indian girl Arabian female at home prepare for trip packing clothes summer hat in suitcase baggage vacation travel cancel fly holding tickets check airport traveling holiday honeymoon" title="Hindu woman Indian girl Arabian female at home prepare for trip packing clothes summer hat in suitcase baggage vacation travel cancel fly holding tickets check airport traveling holiday honeymoon" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2197973265/photo/hindu-woman-indian-girl-arabian-female-at-home-prepare-for-trip-packing-clothes-summer-hat-in.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YL2K4kYDDlw9RCdNrfp_nOzVFQw2SIbSe5pN-jpjufc=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>3. How to know if you are miscounting passengers or cargo</h2>A simple check eliminates most errors:• If Form B &lt; Form A → You are missing connecting passengers.• If Form B &gt; Form A → You are reporting traffic by flight stage, not O&amp;D.<blockquote>This single step removes more than 70% of typical errors.</blockquote><h2>&nbsp;4. Review the growth rates in Form B</h2>Compare each quarter with the same quarter of the previous year:• Sudden drops → possible under-reporting • Excessive increases → double counting or stage-based reporting • Cargo rising while passengers fall → check category or flight typeThis check detects anomalies without having to review every single flight one by one<h2>5. Ensure passenger and cargo traffic is consistent between Form A and Form B</h2><h3>A very common mistake:</h3> ➡️ Reporting passengers and cargo in Form A, but only reporting passengers in Form B.This breaks consistency, affects international totals, and produces biased quarterly analysis.• If Form A reports international passengers and cargo, Form B must include both. • Otherwise, the data set becomes incomplete and distorts the real traffic picture. <figure id="figure-8hj73ai3cemijkddca"><img id="8hj73ai3cemijkddca" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1060529254/photo/loading-cargo.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oa8hsidNhr3P9ifAWdetsIZjPoeTEcpqNTQGGnQOLpI=" alt="loading cargo" title="loading cargo" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1060529254/photo/loading-cargo.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oa8hsidNhr3P9ifAWdetsIZjPoeTEcpqNTQGGnQOLpI=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Extra tip 💡</h2>• Scheduled traffic should show reasonably stable patterns. • Non-scheduled traffic may vary, but it should never exceed the operational capacities reported.<blockquote>This alignment ensures consistency across forms.</blockquote><h2>Conclusion</h2>Validating ATRs does not need to be exhausting. With these 5 checks, you can detect most inconsistencies before submitting your reports.And if you want reliable, coherent results based on international standard methodology, your best allies are:<h3>✔ ATRs Generator Tool</h3>Automates Forms A and B with built-in controls, standardised calculations, and automatic cross-validation.<h3>✔ ATRs Done-for-You</h3>Completed, audited, and perfectly consistent forms — ready to submit. No reprocessing. No stress. No errors.<h2>&nbsp;📣 Stay tuned for what’s coming next…</h2>In the next blog articles, we will share key validation tips for the remaining official forms:✨ Form A ✨ Form C ✨ Form DA complete, practical guide to ensure your entire statistical operation is coherent, aligned, and 100% error-free.<h3>Visit our website, book a video call, or send us an email — we’d love to hear from you!</h3>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1j2tA33k91Zpgq5WvjNsxndAW_WG_DAvT" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1j2tA33k91Zpgq5WvjNsxndAW_WG_DAvT" target="_blank">Download the ICARUS Insights Series Nº 4 (PDF)</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1QA76l_X77go0jhwt-C_qvvxyXKuhSICd" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1QA76l_X77go0jhwt-C_qvvxyXKuhSICd" target="_blank" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Descargar ICARUS Insights Series Nº 4 (PDF)﻿</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=19g5Pcc1H_1ZZ_vsfzEEni8pXZJmTyzot" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=19g5Pcc1H_1ZZ_vsfzEEni8pXZJmTyzot" target="_blank">Télécharger ICARUS Insights Série Nº 4 (PDF)</a>

5 Essential Tips to Validate Your ATRs (Form A and Form B)

<h2>How to Design a Daily Traffic Template that Really Works </h2>Estimated reading time: 4 minutesIn many airlines, the quality of monthly reports and the correct consolidation of statistical forms depend entirely on one key element: the daily traffic template.A poorly designed format generates inconsistencies, incomplete data, reprocessing, unnecessary reconciliations, and delays in submitting information to the civil aviation authority. By contrast, a solid template ensures that every flight is correctly captured, standardised, and ready for consolidation.In this article, we share the essential elements and recommendations that every airline should include in order to build a daily template that truly works.In addition, at the end you will find downloadable material that you can use as a guide or to complement your current format.<h2>1. Basic flight information</h2>Each record should include the elements that define the flight. The following are recommended:<ul><li>Flight date (DD/MM/YYYY)</li><li>Flight number</li><li>Leg number</li><li>Flight prefix</li><li>Category: Passenger / All-cargo</li><li>Type of service (Scheduled / Non-scheduled)</li><li>Flight stage (International / Domestic)</li><li>Departure airport (IATA code)</li><li>Arrival airport (IATA code)</li><li>Operating carrier (in the case of code-share flights)</li><li>Aircraft manufacturer</li><li>Aircraft model and series</li><li>Aircraft registration</li></ul>Direct flights will be easily identified as 1A. If you have a multi-stop itinerary, please refer to the example accompanying this article for further details.This section acts as the backbone of the dataset, and its standardisation is essential.<figure id="figure-0oxf36nmvmi9h4tdr"><img id="0oxf36nmvmi9h4tdr" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2237531091/photo/close-up-of-hands-using-a-stylus-to-analyze-ai-powered-financial-data-on-a-laptop-screen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=qCR7KHrocjawkRCaiU0fA1WRKaEe-j-tRBSkycahGSU=" alt="Close-up of hands using a stylus to analyze AI-powered financial data on a laptop screen algorithmic trading insights A professional reviews real-time market trends on a digital platform" title="Close-up of hands using a stylus to analyze AI-powered financial data on a laptop screen algorithmic trading insights A professional reviews real-time market trends on a digital platform" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2237531091/photo/close-up-of-hands-using-a-stylus-to-analyze-ai-powered-financial-data-on-a-laptop-screen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=qCR7KHrocjawkRCaiU0fA1WRKaEe-j-tRBSkycahGSU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>2. Operational data</h2>The following fields are necessary for subsequent validations and calculations:<ul><li>Distance in kilometres between airport pairs</li><li>Departures (1 for each operation performed)</li><li>Block hours (it is recommended to record hours and minutes separately)</li><li>Average speed (optional, but very useful for internal controls) &nbsp;</li></ul>Using separate columns for hours and minutes prevents formatting errors and makes it easier to sum total times.<h2>3. Traffic data</h2>For complete and standardised capture, the template should include:<ul><li>Revenue passengers carried</li><li>Seat capacity</li><li>Baggage</li><li>Excess baggage</li><li>Revenue freight</li><li>Revenue mail</li><li>Total payload capacity</li><li>Cargo payload capacity</li><li>Fuel consumption &nbsp;</li></ul>Except for the number of passengers, all metrics should be recorded in kilograms to ensure operational and statistical consistency.<figure id="figure-83rrlb0cuaxmi9h3i3b"><img id="83rrlb0cuaxmi9h3i3b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2240930808/photo/on-the-simulation-screen-for-transportation-and-passengers.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Mp5YVZqPaLKaID4jF2Z_8RF45aWyBTrlFJW2FMPXksM=" alt="On the simulation screen for transportation and passengers." title="On the simulation screen for transportation and passengers." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2240930808/photo/on-the-simulation-screen-for-transportation-and-passengers.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Mp5YVZqPaLKaID4jF2Z_8RF45aWyBTrlFJW2FMPXksM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>4. Design recommendations</h3>These practices help to ensure consistency and clarity:<ul><li>Use data validation (drop-down lists, numeric limits, valid dates)</li><li>Keep column names standardised, without accents or spaces.</li><li>Include a glossary, which can be an additional sheet with definitions of each field.</li><li>Avoid complex formulae inside the template: reserve calculations for later stages. &nbsp;</li></ul>For validation purposes, remember that passengers and seats must always be whole numbers.<blockquote> There is no such thing as “2.5 passengers” or “0.7 seats”.</blockquote>When completing the glossary, make sure you use the official definitions laid down by your civil aviation authority or by the relevant international organisation.<h2>5. Strategic benefit</h2>A robust daily template:<ul><li>Defines the structure of the metadata, which is pure gold for your analysis.</li><li>Reduces errors in monthly consolidation.</li><li>Ensures consistency across statistical forms (ATR forms).</li><li>Facilitates internal and external audits.</li><li>Improves analytical and forecasting capacity.</li><li>Prevents additional information requests from the civil aviation authority. &nbsp;</li></ul>A well-designed template is not just a data-entry tool: it is the structural framework that keeps operational data consistent, interpretable, and reliable.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Building an effective daily template is not complex, but it does require method, clarity, and standardisation. When an airline adopts a solid, consistent format aligned with best practices, the quality of its information improves immediately and data management becomes a genuine operational and strategic asset.<h2>Icarus embraces you and accompanies you in this task; we provide you with: </h2><figure id="figure-5a9fsdqp2smi9h9ozm"><img id="5a9fsdqp2smi9h9ozm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1670101918/photo/closeup-of-young-asian-female-psychotherapist-discussing-a-problem-and-touch-hand-young.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=F0NlHpFUNDVGW5pTt-jV-sEHQLDxKVAj2vrnND6xzPk=" alt="Closeup of young Asian female psychotherapist discussing a problem and touch hand young depressed sit on couch at clinic. Medical insurance, Mental health." title="Closeup of young Asian female psychotherapist discussing a problem and touch hand young depressed sit on couch at clinic. Medical insurance, Mental health." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1670101918/photo/closeup-of-young-asian-female-psychotherapist-discussing-a-problem-and-touch-hand-young.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=F0NlHpFUNDVGW5pTt-jV-sEHQLDxKVAj2vrnND6xzPk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Downloadable file and examples (annexes)</h3><h3>1. Excel template with fictitious data</h3> Includes a complete daily capture format with fictitious values for pedagogical purposes, to help you visualise how a traffic template should be completed. <h3>2. Example for determining leg number and prefix in flights with stops</h3> Explains step by step how to assign the leg number and prefix in flights with multiple stops, with illustrative tables and clear operational logic. These annexes include tables, examples, and the methodology needed to help airlines correctly classify operations with different combinations of origin and destination cities.<blockquote>Final note: if you need support with the definitions, do not hesitate to contact us — we will be very happy to assist you.</blockquote>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=16yG5DOh2dnLjakD0OuhdjJx98kqHC-S6" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=16yG5DOh2dnLjakD0OuhdjJx98kqHC-S6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download the ICARUS Insights Series Nº 3 (PDF)</a> + <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10wZgESSHB7BkLvFI2QtH2CYTqT7n59bf/export?format=xlsx" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10wZgESSHB7BkLvFI2QtH2CYTqT7n59bf/export?format=xlsx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excel template</a> + <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1t3qiSUXmcvVrflh7XObUQDQpz702W7vg" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1t3qiSUXmcvVrflh7XObUQDQpz702W7vg">example</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1JIjE-SBzZ4ViCfOhRoapD0aaTMCj89dr" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1JIjE-SBzZ4ViCfOhRoapD0aaTMCj89dr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Descargar ICARUS Insights Series Nº 3 (PDF) </a>+ <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jGUIezUloJXGNrInH1YxmQZdgVKGfU_0/export?format=xlsx" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jGUIezUloJXGNrInH1YxmQZdgVKGfU_0/export?format=xlsx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formato en excel </a>+ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1zb8ARca8dKrlmnaa9KJng2E-dTLT6T3O" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1zb8ARca8dKrlmnaa9KJng2E-dTLT6T3O" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ejemplo</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1yzuE7EdNqSTWbZU3js6-yOD65DOYrsYs" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1yzuE7EdNqSTWbZU3js6-yOD65DOYrsYs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Télécharger ICARUS Insights Série Nº 3 (PDF)</a>+ <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17f_FFnBS6kSoQ8R-cQlpAjM1M8D2n7ib/export?format=xlsx" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17f_FFnBS6kSoQ8R-cQlpAjM1M8D2n7ib/export?format=xlsx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">format excel</a> + <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1a4SzSG-UqhgJwYxh4Wm40GIKNZlm2WEX" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1a4SzSG-UqhgJwYxh4Wm40GIKNZlm2WEX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exemple</a>

How to Design a Daily Traffic Template that Really Works

Business intelligence key performance indicators KPI and Business intelligence, or BI, is a strategy , financial and investment marketing , diagram statistic big data.

<h2>The 5 Best Practices in Civil Aviation Statistical Reporting</h2>Estimated reading time: 3 minutesIn civil aviation, statistical reporting is not just a regulatory obligation — it is the foundation for understanding, planning, and optimising air operations. Yet many airlines still face delays, inconsistencies, and rework due to the lack of standardised methodologies.At Icarus Aviation Analytics, we share five best practices that can transform statistical reporting into a truly strategic tool.<h3>1. Clean your database before starting</h3>Before consolidating any form, make sure your database is genuinely ready to work with. This means removing duplicate records, excluding non-revenue flights, and ensuring every column contains complete and coherent information. A clean database prevents cumulative errors and simplifies all subsequent calculations. This step is the cornerstone of every analytical process.<figure id="figure-wnnkjc5bitmhzkmixi"><img id="wnnkjc5bitmhzkmixi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1686033645/photo/data-scrubbing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=I23D_gPeD4aleBQZnGUlW6GCZAubk76BMlIgbgCxx_o=" alt="Data scrubbing" title="Data scrubbing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1686033645/photo/data-scrubbing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=I23D_gPeD4aleBQZnGUlW6GCZAubk76BMlIgbgCxx_o=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>2. Maintain consistency across forms</h3>Each form serves a distinct purpose, but all of them are interconnected.For example:- Passengers, freight, and mail reported in Form A must match the routes detailed in Form B. - Departures and KPIs in Form C must align with those declared in Form A. - Departures, hours flown, and distance covered in Form D must coincide with the same totals consolidated in Form A. <blockquote>Cross-checking ensures consistency, avoids remarks from authorities, and demonstrates strong control over data traceability.</blockquote><h3>3. Document assumptions and estimates</h3>At times, certain data must be estimated — and that is perfectly acceptable. The key is transparency. Record the methods used, such as the average passenger weight recommended by the international authority, the estimated payload, or the assumed average speed. Documenting these parameters allows reproducibility and facilitates technical review. Traceability is a sign of statistical maturity.<h3>4. Respect the official reporting format</h3>It is essential to comply with the structure required by local or international authorities, as many data systems are built upon it. This facilitates automatic processing and validation of the information reported. It is not an administrative whim — it is a practical framework that enables authorities to analyse large datasets efficiently.<blockquote>With Icarus Aviation Analytics’ ATRs Generator, this requirement is fully ensured and simplified.</blockquote><figure id="figure-mmdfbahtq5mhzkr772" class=""><img id="mmdfbahtq5mhzkr772" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2190327455/photo/businessman-working-with-data-and-graphs-in-spreadsheet-documents-for-online-analysis.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=qQDuuJhNwgraVgHno1i8BOBdBY5AuhjjBxQo6tPfS2s=" alt="businessman working with data and graphs in spreadsheet documents for online analysis Microsoft Excel project dashboard accounting digital" title="businessman working with data and graphs in spreadsheet documents for online analysis Microsoft Excel project dashboard accounting digital" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2190327455/photo/businessman-working-with-data-and-graphs-in-spreadsheet-documents-for-online-analysis.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=qQDuuJhNwgraVgHno1i8BOBdBY5AuhjjBxQo6tPfS2s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>5. Implement automated quality controls</h3>Periodic reviews help detect anomalies such as load factors above 100%, atypical distances, or inconsistencies among ASK, RPK, and ATK. The ATRs Generator also performs automatic verification of key indicators, reducing human error and strengthening your airline’s credibility with authorities.<figure id="figure-3did84n7nmhzkvys3" class=""><img id="3did84n7nmhzkvys3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34LFuE8svOJd4VTKL2H0AJJdkNNefdKaHWUMkDgvaF48Bll2b8vDUTfEt5xNPnE0.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34LFuE8svOJd4VTKL2H0AJJdkNNefdKaHWUMkDgvaF48Bll2b8vDUTfEt5xNPnE0.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>&nbsp;Bonus: Mistakes happen — and that’s okay</h3>If you submitted a form with incorrect information — whether you noticed it yourself or were notified by the authority — don’t worry. No one dies, and it’s not the end of the world. Simply correct the file, resubmit it, and document the change. What matters most is transparency and a mindset of continuous improvement.<h3>Conclusion</h3>Accurate and consistent reporting is not an administrative burden — it reflects professionalism and a true commitment to efficient air transport management. Adopting these five practices not only ensures compliance with local and international authorities but also raises the technical quality of your statistical unit and reinforces your institutional reputation.Moreover, it is highly advisable to maintain consistency across all figures: make sure the data you report to the authorities are the same as those published on your website or annual reports. Such consistency builds credibility and trust, both internally and externally.➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1_KjGnXbrH1QA-zHlWQrUz_M2a0e4Cptg" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1_KjGnXbrH1QA-zHlWQrUz_M2a0e4Cptg" target="_blank" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Download the ICARUS Insights Series Nº 2 (PDF) ﻿</a>+ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1ZEZ85C3tQQjI1DUwJzSPVTmUaLwMJZT7" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1ZEZ85C3tQQjI1DUwJzSPVTmUaLwMJZT7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infography</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1O_CSG2pWhyhNCFIYJXO3Vx4lBQJ6gNhd" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1O_CSG2pWhyhNCFIYJXO3Vx4lBQJ6gNhd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Descargar ICARUS Insights Series Nº 2 (PDF)</a> + <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=16k2uPBnI_NsmnuTSEsHfC4CQ92KiVS_W" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=16k2uPBnI_NsmnuTSEsHfC4CQ92KiVS_W" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infografia</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1Xf8tTfn9HAOEiZTdQHO2EkFf1qLsnuA0" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1Xf8tTfn9HAOEiZTdQHO2EkFf1qLsnuA0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Télécharger ICARUS Insights Série Nº 2 (PDF)</a>+ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1AL8Rdk2h-gfDo-5brvfWo57ByhcsQuHn" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1AL8Rdk2h-gfDo-5brvfWo57ByhcsQuHn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infographie</a>

The 5 Best Practices in Civil Aviation Statistical Reporting

Data analysis report highlighting performance metrics and statistical trends

Estimated reading time: 5 minutesFor years, many airlines have viewed the submission of operational statistics to authorities as a burdensome, repetitive task with little apparent return. Those of us who have walked this path know how tortuous it can feel, but in reality, the opposite is true. Statistics are one of the few regulatory requirements that, when done well, protect the airline, enhance its international visibility, and strengthen its position in the market.<figure id="figure-7dc135lnagmhrziaiu"><img id="7dc135lnagmhrziaiu" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2149372515/photo/male-accountant-stressed-with-too-much-paperwork-and-exhausted-from-work-covering-his-face.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=r31vI1BAs57d2O-bDKGg66h9AdiUszMx2YpsOTlJoIw=" alt="Male accountant stressed with too much paperwork and exhausted from work, covering his face with friend holding a lot of documents." title="Male accountant stressed with too much paperwork and exhausted from work, covering his face with friend holding a lot of documents." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2149372515/photo/male-accountant-stressed-with-too-much-paperwork-and-exhausted-from-work-covering-his-face.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=r31vI1BAs57d2O-bDKGg66h9AdiUszMx2YpsOTlJoIw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>1. States make key decisions based on what airlines report</h3>Civil aviation authorities do not request statistics to be inconvenient. They need them to:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Measure actual and projected supply on each route.</li><li>Evaluate the need, relevance, and negotiation tools for new bilateral agreements.</li><li>Determine capacities, frequencies, fifth freedom rights or additional traffic rights.</li><li>Monitor safety-related trends linked to operational activity.</li><li>Produce national indicators that inform economic and connectivity decisions.</li><li>Calculate the contribution of the subsector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).</li><li>Analyse the interaction between the subsector and other economic sectors such as tourism and international trade. Yes, international trade: air cargo is one of the subsectors that provides the most information for understanding the performance of the real global economy.</li><li>Assess the economic impact of new regulations or tariff changes (taxes, airport charges, etc.).</li><li>Provide inputs for aviation infrastructure planning.</li><li>Support decisions related to international instruments such as the Cape Town Convention (Article 7, on the registration and priority of international interests in aircraft), which depend on reliable statistics to evaluate actual fleet utilisation, operational demand and the economic soundness required to authorise or support aircraft asset transactions.</li><li>And most importantly: generate transparency and accountability to the travelling public, demonstrating the relevance of air transport to the economy, employment, and everyday life.</li></ul>If an airline reports late or incompletely, its profile becomes under-represented in all these processes. Airlines that report on time become visible, reference points, and the ones States consider during negotiations.<h3>That is power!</h3><h3>2. Accurate statistics protect airlines in&nbsp; competitive scenarios</h3>Imagine two airlines operating the same route: one reports all its flights on time, the other reports late or with inconsistencies.When the authority assesses saturation, efficiency or slot allocation:The compliant airline has solid data to support its actual operations. The one that reports poorly appears to operate less than it really does; authorities may even need to estimate or adjust figures, inadvertently introducing bias. Outcome: the airline with poor reporting may lose commercial opportunities, frequencies or growth potential without even realising it.Even worse: if the information is incomplete or biased, incorrect calculations can produce results that negatively affect both airlines, not just the one that reports poorly.<figure id="figure-ctogd41btrmhrzg1es"><img id="ctogd41btrmhrzg1es" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/936117884/photo/thats-it-im-done.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=d7itbPNXOQhHeM5KcdNeXz6tlb-IYsxZdNpUs0f_7XM=" alt="That’s it, I’m done!" title="That’s it, I’m done!" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/936117884/photo/thats-it-im-done.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=d7itbPNXOQhHeM5KcdNeXz6tlb-IYsxZdNpUs0f_7XM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>3. Statistics feed international systems: ICAO, IATA, the United Nations, financial institutions</h3>The data submitted by an airline to its State does not stay in a drawer. It flows into global systems that:<ul><li>Are used to produce the statistical tables of the ICAO Annual Report of the Council, the industry’s most authoritative figures. And perhaps most importantly: the financial assessments that each ICAO Member State pays are based on reported traffic.</li><li>Are used to report on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the SDG Global Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport.</li><li>Are used by IATA for interline proration, market analysis, and financial adjustments that directly impact airline revenues.</li><li>Remain essential for analysing the economic impacts on the subsector caused by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic or natural, political or social disruptions.</li><li>Support legal frameworks such as the Cape Town Convention, where risk assessment, asset utilisation and economic stability require reliable statistical evidence.</li></ul><blockquote><h3> An airline that reports poorly can appear smaller, less efficient or less relevant than it truly is, in contexts where comparisons matter.</h3></blockquote><h3>4. ATRs are not just “templates”… they are the official narrative of your airline</h3>The figure that appears in an ATR is your officially recognised reality. Even if your internal system says otherwise, what reaches the authority becomes the institutional truth.<ul><li>If you inflate ASK, your PLF falls artificially.</li><li>If you report fewer passengers, your market share drops.</li><li>If you omit cargo information, your economic role disappears from sectoral analyses.</li></ul>This statistical profile shapes how regulators, competitors, analysts and investors perceive your airline.<h3>5. Good statistics prevent future problems</h3>Reporting accurately and on time helps avoid:<ul><li>Repeated emails from the authority requesting clarifications.</li><li>Internal rework.</li><li>Risks of regulatory non-compliance.</li></ul>An airline with a track record of clean reporting is an airline that inspires confidence.<h3>&nbsp; 6. Reporting statistics is not a cost: it is an investment in positioning and governance</h3>Airlines that understand this know that:<ul><li>Sound statistics drive more accurate internal decision-making.</li><li>They allow for realistic route profitability analysis.</li><li>They facilitate certification, auditing and international negotiation processes.</li><li>They demonstrate technical maturity to the authority.</li></ul>Most importantly: an airline with reliable data is an airline with real competitive advantages.<h3>&nbsp; 7. How Icarus Aviation Analytics turns “compliance” into “strategy”</h3>At Icarus, we transform statistical compliance into a strategic asset by:<ul><li>Fully automating ATR production.</li><li>Using intelligent validations that ensure correct data from the source.</li><li>Implementing systems that eliminate manual tasks and reduce errors.</li><li>Providing executive reports for management and operations.</li><li>Delivering technical support to strengthen the relationship with the authority. </li></ul>When data is reliable, everything improves: from regulatory reputation to the real capacity to grow on international routes.<figure id="figure-qa0f1xey5jmhrzehom"><img id="qa0f1xey5jmhrzehom" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2182250916/photo/teamwork-concept-with-diverse-hands-joining-together-symbolizing-unity-cooperation-and.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=noaP6V8vwnSgUQriuKonKV0QWjc4ZEJpo28-8fgxEt8=" alt="Teamwork concept with diverse hands joining together, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and collaboration" title="Teamwork concept with diverse hands joining together, symbolizing unity, cooperation, and collaboration" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2182250916/photo/teamwork-concept-with-diverse-hands-joining-together-symbolizing-unity-cooperation-and.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=noaP6V8vwnSgUQriuKonKV0QWjc4ZEJpo28-8fgxEt8=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2>In conclusion, when an airline reports its statistics accurately and on time, it does far more than comply: it gains visibility, protects its operations, and strengthens its influence in regulatory, commercial, and financial decisions. Statistics are not a formality; they are a strategic advantage that separates airlines that grow from those that merely submit forms.➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=19ev-wqY23LV7DVHr5eft96cZiqe0lkyz" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=19ev-wqY23LV7DVHr5eft96cZiqe0lkyz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download the ICARUS Insights Series Nº 1 (PDF)</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1801QSRCHXXHwBNTaawPQsrRwV9Fp556K" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1801QSRCHXXHwBNTaawPQsrRwV9Fp556K" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Descargar ICARUS Insights Series Nº 1 (PDF)</a>➡️ <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1soyTuBO1PlpRcwqLjZAYtRhHXkYS2DGf" href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&amp;id=1soyTuBO1PlpRcwqLjZAYtRhHXkYS2DGf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Télécharger ICARUS Insights Série Nº 1 (PDF)</a>

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5 Essential Tips to Validate Your ATRs (Form A and Form B)

How to Design a Daily Traffic Template that Really Works

The 5 Best Practices in Civil Aviation Statistical Reporting

Why Submitting Statistics to Aviation Authorities Is Vita...