Pre-departure clearance to aircraft by Air Traffic Control in the country is all set for a major technology upgradation. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun trial operations of Data Link Communication for pre-departure clearance at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which will eventually replace the present system of voice based pre-departure clearances. The new system will eliminate possibility of human error and will enhance safety and efficiency of operations. Pre-departure clearance is an authorization issued by Air Traffic Control to the Pilot regarding the runway to be used, route to be flown from departure to destination and the cruising level that the aircraft is expected to maintain. At present, Air Traffic Controllers, on request from the Pilot of an aircraft, issue pre-departure clearance through voice communication using VHF radio from the Air Traffic Control tower. The Pilots are expected to read back the entire clearance to confirm correct receipt of the same, again through voice communication. Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Ajit Singh, while launching the facility on his visit to Mumbai on Monday, appreciated this initiative which is the first of its kind by the Airports Authority of India.