NATS Services has secured a contract extension with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to continue the secondment of Air Traffic Controllers at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
The extension of the partnership, which began in 2018, will see NATS’ commitment to HKIA last until 2029.
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With the commencement of Hong Kong’s three-runway system, HKIA expects to achieve its ultimate target of 102 flights per hour, with projected demand reaching 120 million passenger trips and ten million tonnes of air cargo.
NATS claims to have recruited ‘experienced’ controllers from across the globe to support the expanding operations in Hong Kong.
AAHK Corporate Development deputy director Chapman Fong said: “Hong Kong International Airport has a longstanding reputation as one of the few airports in the world leading in both passenger and cargo service, with extensive intermodal connectivity with the Greater Bay Area including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Macau.
“With the three-runway operation at HKIA commencing on 28 November 2024, the capacity of HKIA will be significantly enhanced, actualising its status as the international aviation hub.”
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By GlobalDataNATS CEO Martin Rolfe said: “The scale of Hong Kong’s ambition and their embrace of technology is raising the bar for the industry and we are very proud to be playing a part in their ongoing success.”
Last month, Birmingham Airport reaffirmed its confidence in NATS by awarding it a ten-year contract as its air traffic service provider.
This decision comes after a competitive tender process, with the airport expected to invest £300m ($382.07m) over the next decade in terminal and airfield improvements.
NATS will assume control of the air traffic and associated engineering services in 2025, following a 12-month transition period during which the airport’s current air traffic staff will transfer to NATS.
In January this year, Canadian IT company CGI entered a seven-year partnership with NATS to enhance air traffic operations in the UK and modernise its digital infrastructure.
NATS operates at 14 airports globally and manages all UK airspace from two control centres.
