Systems and methods for automatically transferring control from one air traffic control (ATC) center that uses one ATC data link standard to another ATC center that uses a different ATC data link standard are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a receiver component configured to receive at least a new air traffic control center designation message from an original air traffic control center through an active connection, an identifier component configured to determine a data link standard of a new air traffic control center from the message, a logon component to log the aircraft into the new center. The system further includes a connection component to establish an inactive connection with the new air traffic control center, a confirmation component to confirm the inactive connection, and a switch component to terminate the active connection and activate the inactive connection.