Fintraffic and Finavia to develop global air traffic control concept

Finnish airport operator Finavia has collaborated with Fintraffic Air Navigation Services (ANS) to develop a global air traffic control concept.

A multi-remote air traffic control will enhance the efficiency and quality of air traffic services.

This project is also expected to help the aviation industry recover after the pandemic.

The Multi Remote Operating Tower (MROT) concept and the remote air traffic control project will allow flexible air traffic control services from a single workstation to one or more airports.

This will not only reduce cost of service production, but also enhance alertness of air traffic control and the service level of airports.

The project will also comply with EU regulations requiring continuous improvement of operations for providers of air navigation services.

Fintraffic Air Navigation Services CEO Raine Luojus said: “The pandemic has thrown air traffic into an unprecedented crisis. As a result, competition among the air traffic clusters of different countries is getting fiercer. In recent years, Finland boasts the best international connections in Northern Europe.

“In order to find success after the pandemic, all the operators in the industry must systematically search for means to improve the competence of the Finnish air traffic industry and the quality and efficiency of their services. Remote air traffic control would enable flexible, high-quality provision of services when there is demand. Therefore, it would support the connectivity of Finland and its regions.”

Finavia airport network senior vice-president Jani Jolkkonen said: “The development of a remote air traffic control concept using modern, digital technology brings flexibility, especially to the service hours of regional airports, while improving cost efficiency. This benefits not only airlines, but also consumers. For Finavia, the remote air traffic control project carries strategic importance as it enables us to ensure efficient, functional connectivity between Finns and the rest of the world.”

In addition, both partners have sought public funding from the EU’s Recovery Plan for the development of the concept.

The aim is to launch the system’s implementation project in 2021.