International Operations | eAPIS Improves Efficiency

Streamlining International Operations with EAPIS 

Gone are the days of endless stress and paperwork for international operations. Thanks to the revolutionary Electronic Advanced Passenger Information System (eAPIS), inputting and retrieving crucial travel information has never been easier. This system has transformed the way we navigate customs procedures and has become a game changer for the EMS industry, where time is of the essence. 

With eAPIS, pilots no longer have to manually enter names, addresses, birthdays, and passport numbers for every single flight. Instead, the system stores this information, allowing us to quickly access it whenever needed. This incredible time-saving feature enables us to efficiently organize flight and medical crews, input patient details, and focus on what truly matters. 

While eAPIS has made international travel smoother, it’s important to stay updated on its requirements. Recently, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released new guidelines for outbound travel, highlighting essential revisions. 

According to the CBP, crews must now retransmit their manifest data whenever anticipated changes occur. This includes adding, eliminating, or substituting passengers, changing tail numbers last minute, or modifying departure times beyond a 60-minute window. Additionally, pilots are advised to contact their local CBP Port to cancel the original manifest and inform them of the new one. In case of after-hours changes, operators should still retransmit their data and follow up with a call to the Port on the next business day. 

Upon submitting the document, it is crucial for operators to wait for 60 minutes before departure, unless they have received clearance within that timeframe. However, emergency flights, such as air medical situations, require immediate action. Operators in these cases need to document the purpose of the flight and the CBP will expedite approval accordingly. 

These updated procedures ensure a seamless understanding between flight crews and customs officers, particularly when revisions are involved. By retransmitting any changes, we ensure that all parties are well-prepared for the flight and we can maintain a smooth-running system. 

Reasons to Stay Internationally Informed  

While new tools are helpful when flying internationally, be sure to stay informed on international operations rules. Here are a few reasons why: 

1. Safety First: Ensuring passenger and crew safety is paramount. Knowledge of up-to-date international rules can prevent accidents and mishaps. For example, understanding the latest collision avoidance procedures can be life-saving. 
2. Smooth Operations: Understanding the current air traffic control instructions, airport procedures, and flight planning requirements can help avoid unnecessary delays and disruptions. 
3. Legal Compliance: As highlighted by CAU, aviation law affects all aspects of air travel including cargo transport, passenger behavior, and business regulation. Being updated with the law minimizes the risk of legal repercussions. 
4. International Agreements: As per Britannica, every state has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory. Ignorance of such agreements could lead to serious diplomatic issues. 
5. Efficient Use of Resources: Updated knowledge of fuel policies, navigation charges, and other operational costs can lead to cost-effective decision making. 
6. Professionalism: Staying updated showcases a pilot’s commitment to their profession and upholds the reputation of their airline. 
7. Passenger Trust: Passengers trust pilots with their lives. Knowing that their pilot is updated with the latest international regulations can boost their confidence and comfort. 
8. Globalization Impact: As OECD points out, air transportation is a major industry and provides important inputs into wider economic, political, and social processes. Understanding these impacts can help pilots better navigate the international scene. 
9. Regulation Updates: Regulatory bodies like IATA continually update their manuals. Pilots need to keep up with these changes to ensure they’re following the current best practices. 
10. Career Progression: Demonstrating a thorough understanding of international regulations can open up more opportunities for career advancement. 

Say goodbye to the old hassles of international flights and embrace the efficiency and clarity offered by eAPIS. With these guidelines in place, our journeys can be streamlined, allowing us to focus on what truly matters: safe and timely travels.