QCAA is upgrading both its main and back VCS systems to enhance airport operations and maintain safety as airspace demands change. The backup VCS will benefit from Frequentis’ next generation VCS, X10, to increase resilience. In addition, QCAA will also implement Frequentis electronic flight strips in the ATC tower to support air traffic controllers with effectively managing the increased workload and maintaining safety during peak air traffic movements.

“Frequentis has provided QCAA with reliable ATM systems since the 1990s. Our electronic Flight Strips integrated with the ATM system marks the next generation of tower automation, which will allow QCAA to handle the expected significant air traffic increase,” noted Frequentis Middle East managing director Josef Kutschi.

Both the digitalisation of paper strips and the implementation of the IT-based VCS X10 fulfil the latest demands for tower digitalisation, paving the way for automation and efficiency, which improves controllers’ situational awareness and workflows.

“The X10 architecture allows for a flexible, scalable, and modern approach to air traffic management and smartSTRIPS is an essential tool to support controllers in their challenging role,” says Frequentis ATM vice-president and ATM Executive Team chairman Hannu Juurakko.

“We are pleased to be working with QCAA on this modernisation and the added benefits of X10 will fully prepare QCAA for its upcoming airspace demands.”

The VCS X10 is designed from the origin to fulfil the latest trend towards Virtual Centre operations and, being fully ED-137 complaint, it fully supports the digitalisation of ATC communication, and the standardised implementation and interoperability of voice over IP (VoIP). The Frequentis smartSTRIPS system is already deployed on five continents, covering installations from two to more than ninety controller working positions.

“As a local partner to the region, Bayanat Engineering Qatar is pleased to be part of this project to support Qatar airspace with predicted increased demand,” noted Bayanat Engineering Qatar general manager Hassan Ezzedine.