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| Remote tower. Photo: Saab |
[Avionics Today 11-03-2014] Saab, along with Swedish Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) Luftfatsverket (LFV), has received final operational approval from the Swedish Transport Agency for the remote operation of Örnsköldsvik Airport from Sundsvall, Sweden. This approval means the world’s first airport remotely controlled Remote Tower Services (RTS) will commence shortly, paving the way for what many believe to be a more efficient and cost-effective delivery of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services.
The approval indicates that all technologies and operational procedures meet key industry and regulatory criteria for providing ATC services. This includes the use of Saab sensors and equipment for air traffic services and LFV’s existing procedures, enabling a streamlined approval process.
Saab sensors deployed at Örnsköldsvik Airport will provide data directly to a Remote Tower Center (RTC) also located at Sundsvall, 100 km away from the airport. The RTC uses multiple displays, various input devices and new ATC tools that provide the same functionality as those already in use at Örnsköldsvik’s tower.
“Air Navigation Service Providers and Civil Aviation Authorities across the globe now have a successful model in place for the regulatory approval process for remotely controlled air traffic services,” said Anders Carp, head of Saab’s traffic management business unit.