Thales, world leader in air traffic management (ATM) solutions, is proud to announce the delivery of a completely new ATM solution to the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA).

The Thales TopSky-ATC, one of the world’s most advanced air traffic management solutions, went operational on Monday 26th March. The project was delivered on time after an 18 month development and includes a state-of-the-art automation system located at the BCAA control centre, including:

  • Dual area control centres (ACC) and dual approach (APP) controller positions
  • A complete ATM system in the two control towers on the Bahrain International Airport

The BCAA is responsible for providing air navigation services to airspace users of the Bahrain Flight Information Region (FIR) and Bahrain International Airport. The Thales TopSky-ATC solution was selected after a competitive tender process, forming part of the authority’s efforts to enhance Bahrain International Airport’s operational capabilities and facilitate faster traffic handling operations, to cover both the approach and en-route segments for the entirety of the 400,000km2 of the country’s FIR.

Thales also provided the TopSky-ATC simulator with exercise editor (EED) for the training of BCAA staff, as well as an information display system (or information system services), an added functionality that gives air traffic controllers access to a wide range of support functions, such as meteorological information, aeronautical information publications (AIPs), and web portals, all accessible on controller’s screens.

Commenting on the strategic importance of the project, Remi Gille Thales VP and head of air traffic management said: "In striving to build a world-class air traffic network in the Middle East, key clients such as the BCAA are creating a cutting-edge air transport market.

"The strength of the partnerships we are forging and in-roads we are making in this region is once again demonstrated by the BCAA’s selection of our state-of-the-art TopSky-ATC solution. As the TopSky-ATC solution is brought online we can all say we are very proud of this latest success, which further consolidates our position as a key player in the Middle East and world leader in air traffic management."