It's promising to see that drone technology has advanced significantly in the past few years, becoming an integral part in managing safety, aiding disaster relief, delivery, and myriad business and consumer applications around the world.
Yet the increasing number of unmanned aerial vehicle poses new challenges for air traffic control. Drones are still causing problems even with the huge drop in traffic numbers last year. In total, 92 drone-related occurrences were reported in German airspace in 2020, which was lower than in previous years. Proportionally, however, the volume of air traffic declined more than the number of such occurrences.
Consequently, even with reduced traffic volumes resulting from the pandemic, drones had a massive impact on flight operations. But it's not all doom and gloom!
In 2020, DFS carried out a comprehensive study of drone detection systems. The findings of this project, which is unique worldwide, will serve as the basis for a future tender for a drone detection system that will facilitate drone safety and identification. By the way, FoxATM is proudly part of that test project.
In other drone news, Israel are to test compatibility of commercial drone delivery operations within an existing UTM/ATM system. Between March 21 and April 1 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Transport will conduct trials of drone delivery companies to understand how these might work within a UTM system “and carry out various scenarios that will simulate, as much as possible, the descriptions of expected activities for future routine and emergency operations".
It's great to see more focus being put on programs that will enable the infrastructure for more innovative technologies and help to streamline transportation in Israel and around the world.
ANSP news
New EUROCONTROL portal gives full visibility on Network Manager working arrangements - EUROCONTROL is today publishing a new portal that provides detailed information on the teams and groups working on network management matters, including those working to support the Network Management Board (NMB), the Network Directors of Operations Group (NDOP) and the Network Directors of Technology Group (NDTECH).
NAV CANADA announces first quarter financial results - In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company saw air traffic levels, as measured in weighted charging units, decrease 58.8% on a year over year basis. The Company’s revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was $202 million, compared to $364 million over the same period in fiscal 2020.
Skyguide CEO Alex Bristol takes over as FABEC Chairman - Alex Bristol, newly appointed Chairman of the CEO Board of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) of FABEC, sets clear objectives for his term: enhanced environmental focus, a further strengthening of cooperation between FABEC States and ANSPs, as well as between the Functional Airspace Blocks themselves.
2020 Air Traffic – Return to 1980’s Levels - Irish Aviation Authority - The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) confirmed that 2020 saw the lowest level of flights in Irish airspace since the late 1980’s. Despite a positive start to the year with strong January and February results, the remainder of the year was devastating for Irish aviation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market news
SITTI Multifono to the FAA - SITTI MULTIFONO® M800IP® VCS system will be installed at the FAA William Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City and be used by the FAA to perform market research for future voice switching procurements.
Think lead high-fidelity tower simulation for Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal Building - Think consultant lead an eight-day validation activity, simulating operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Midfield-Terminal Building (MTB). The MTB accommodates 89 new stands across three distinctively shaped apron areas.
NATO Air Command and Control System by SITTI - NATO ACCS (Air Command and Control Systems) in Italy are going to be equipped with new M800IP® MULTIFONO® VCS (Voice Communication Systems). This activity is being requested by NATO through the Italian Air Force Command in order to allow the existing ISDN communication network to be replaced by modern IP/VoIP (Voice over IP) interfaces.
Reports and data
NAV CANADA reports December traffic figures - NAV CANADA announced today its traffic figures for the month of December 2020, as measured in weighted charging units for enroute, terminal and oceanic air navigation services, in comparison to the last fiscal year.
Smart Solutions for Singapore - HungaroControl - With the intention to build the world’s most advanced aerodrome, CAAS explored leading applications of technology across different domains including air traffic management.
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