This month, defence and security company Saab signed an agreement with Airservices Australia to upgrade the latter’s Air Traffic Control Systems at major airports. This agreement aims to upgrade the airports’ tower automation system with the latest version of the Saab Integrated Air Traffic Control Suite (I-ATS).
Upgrading airport systems
I-ATS provides controllers with a set of tools to manage traffic flow safely and efficiently. It features a highly configurable Controller Working Position that betters situational awareness and reduces controller workload. Other features include a modular, scalable platform that can be used in any airport or digital tower size, as well as a highly adaptable screen layout with multi-touch capability. The system will be installed in airports in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. It might also be extended to other airports.
That’s not all. Saab is also establishing an ATM center of excellence in Australia to support Airservices Australia’s operations. This could lead to further digitalization and long-term developments of the country’s aviation industry. Mark Hind, Airservices Australia Chief Technology Enablement Officer, shared that the organization welcomes its “continued partnership” with Saab as it provides support to the airports. He emphasized that “Saab’s investment in an ATM Centre of Excellence in Australia aligns with our commitment to innovation and the safe, efficient management of air traffic across the country.”
Continued partnership
In addition, the collaboration ensures aviation safety at major and regional airports, aerodromes, and airstrips nationwide with critical air navigation technology and equipment. This is especially important as Airservices Australia handles air traffic in 11% of the world’s airspace, providing tower and approach services to manage aircraft traffic into and out of Australia’s airspace.
This isn’t the first time the two entities joined hands. In 2018, Saab supported Airservices Australia at airports in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney with a new system called Aerobahn, which helped with departure sequencing, traffic flow management, and resourcing. The system shared data with all agencies so that there could be collaborative decision-making. It also improves taxiway and runway scheduling.
YouTube: Saab – Air Traffic Management Solutions
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Photo credit: The feature image and the image in the body of the article are owned by Saab and have been made available for press usage.
