While the sharp decline in air traffic numbers from 2020 remains an issue and a top priority, the COVID pandemic has provided an opportunity for more localised development projects to take place across the industry.
Take Croatia this week, for example. ANSPs have redirected the controllers’ efforts from their usual operational tasks to more local training system development projects. Croatia Control’s (CCL) Management presented a new Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) Training System and a Tower (TWR) simulator in Split. The TWR simulator will be used for ATCO training purposes, and its software was developed by the Split-based controllers, enriched with 80 training exercises developed by air traffic controllers-instructors from all over the country.
This looks like an exciting moment for Croatian aviation and having independent ATCO training is a great example of what they're capable of. Not to mention that it all works towards enabling the recovery from the pandemic in due course.
During the pandemic, ASECNA has made the investment and taken the opportunity to enhance their technology and operations to position their airspace as one of the most advanced and efficient in the world. We'll be watching the development with interest and hope to see more of this replicated across the globe.
What new initiatives has impressed you during this unprecedented time? We'd love to hear about them!
Digital transition for the Linate control tower - ENAV - ENAV completed the digitisation of the control tower operating system in Milan’s Linate airport, to undergo the transition to state-of-the-art operating systems.
Guadalajara International Airport Upgrade, Mexico - Guadalajara International Airport in Guadalajara, Mexico, is undergoing a major upgrade to become the country's best airport. The upgrade will add a new terminal building and an additional runway.
Market news
Edda Systems - Delivery of ATC simulator to Ricoh/CATC, Thailand - Edda Systems was contracted by Ricoh, Thailand, for an ATC simulator with 360 degrees tower view and 47 working positions. The end customer is the Civil Aviation Training Center, Thailand. Ricoh has performed physical work on site and Edda Systems has provided the eCoach ATC simulator technology.
Thales unveils new surveillance radar for air traffic management - Aerospace company Thales has launched a digital secondary surveillance radar named RSM NG for use in air traffic management. The radar can track up to 2,000 flights and disseminate 64 simultaneous data outputs to different air traffic control centres.
Reports and data
NAV CANADA reports February traffic figures - NAV CANADA announced today its traffic figures for the month of February 2021, as measured in weighted charging units for enroute, terminal and oceanic air navigation services, in comparison to the last fiscal year.
NASA completes test to allow drones to fly in crowded airspace - Unmanned airspace - NASA has completed a drone testing programme to examine solutions to allow drones to fly in crowded airspace. The testing is in partnership with the FAA and three industry partners to show potential commercial applications using different size drones in various locations and different airspace classes.
Lift off for flying taxis? - Airport World - The UK government has awarded an industrial research grant to a consortium led by Atkins to look at the feasibility of introducing an air taxi service using electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
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