The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is seeking feedback on a draft framework for sharing information across air traffic management (ATM) and emerging uncrewed aircraft system traffic management (UTM) services. Its Preliminary Draft System Wide Information Management (SWIM) Consultation opened on 6 October 2026 and is scheduled to close on 6 January 2027. SWIM is a framework for exchanging information—not a single IT platform or product.
What is the CAA’s SWIM consultation?
The consultation is the CAA’s first formal opportunity for industry to help shape how SWIM is implemented in the UK. It asks stakeholders to comment on the proposed direction, the components needed and the guidance that will support a digital, information-centric aviation environment. The CAA describes the intended transition as a “fully digital, information-centric aviation ecosystem.” CAA consultation notice
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
SWIM stands for System Wide Information Management. The CAA describes it as a standards, infrastructure and governance approach that makes ATM information discoverable, accessible and usable across ATM and emerging UTM services. In the CAA’s words, “SWIM is not a single IT platform or product.” CAA explanation of SWIM
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why does the CAA say aviation needs SWIM?
The CAA’s case is that aviation is moving towards greater integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft, more dynamic use of airspace, trajectory-based operations and expanding digital services. For these developments to work, the authority says, aviation information must be accurate, timely, appropriately assured and understood consistently by its users. SWIM is intended to provide the standards, infrastructure and governance for that exchange. CAA explanation of SWIM
#1 Best Overall
- Game Features:
- 🛫 Intuitive “draw-to-land” flight control gameplay
- 🌤️ Increasing difficulty as more planes enter the airspace
- 🚁 Mix of planes, jets, and helicopters to guide
- 💥 Avoid crashes and unlock new challenging levels Simple to play, hard to master — great for quick sessions or long playtimes
The CAA also says a consistent, standards-based approach can support the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy and alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Air Navigation Plan. It expects SWIM to improve access to accurate information, reduce duplication, strengthen interoperability and provide a digital environment for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations and new airspace services. These are the regulator’s stated rationale and anticipated benefits, not measured results. CAA explanation of SWIM
What documents are open for comment?
The consultation includes three preliminary or example documents:
Rank #2
- CAP3309: Preliminary Draft SWIM Implementation Framework
- CAP3310: Preliminary Draft SWIM Technical Architecture
- CAP3311: SWIM Example Operational Scenarios
The CAA invites comments on the proposals and feedback on the components and guidance stakeholders will need. The consultation notice lists aerodrome operators, air navigation service providers, air traffic control staff, airports, airlines, government departments, industry bodies, regulators, military stakeholders and UAV operators among the audiences. It gives [email protected] as the contact address. CAA consultation notice Consultation documents
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow should stakeholders assess the proposals?
For a framework that governs information sharing, practical questions include whether data can be exchanged consistently between different services, how its quality and assurance will be maintained, and whether the arrangements can work across changing operational needs. The CAA’s separate consultation on a proposed Common Information Service Provider (CISP) and Discovery and Synchronisation Service (DSS) for UAS data sharing identifies safety, resilience, competition, scalability, interoperability and affordability as useful lenses for assessing data-sharing choices. That is a related consultation, not the SWIM consultation itself. CAA CISP/DSS consultation
Rank #3
- - Air Traffic Control Simulator Clock
What happens after the consultation?
The CAA intends to keep refining the implementation framework through consultation, stakeholder engagement and implementation experience, with the aim of publishing formal V1 documentation in 2028. It expects this work to align with a rulemaking task to amend ATM and air navigation services (ANS) requirements in support of UK SWIM implementation. These are intentions, not guaranteed milestones. CAA plans and next steps
The authority also aims to publish technical architecture and operational scenarios for crewed aviation users in 2027. Those planned documents are distinct from the formal V1 framework target for 2028. CAA plans and next steps
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
