Spanish technology and consulting firm Indra has secured a contract to deploy its digital remote tower for HungaroControl at Budapest airport.
Beginning next year, HungaroControl, the Hungarian air navigation service provider (ANSP), plans to remotely manage Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport from the new digital remote tower centre, located outside of the airport area.
Once operational, Budapest will be the first European capital airport fully managed by air traffic controllers located outside of the airport area.
HungaroControl project manager Viktor Zsóka said: “Remote tower operations with an integrated tower ATM system will enhance safety, efficiency and situational awareness.
“It allows us to offer a more flexible and scalable service, whilst reducing our investment costs. We are optimistic with regards to system implementation and beginning of ATCO training in 2023, and for regulatory approvals and live operation in 2024.”
Under the contract, Indra will offer its fully integrated platform for the centre, which offers air traffic controllers an augmented reality vision of the airfield.
Its optical system enables multi-mast camera capabilities will cover large airport area, and is claimed to provide a 4k quality visual panorama.
The platform offers a zooming functionality, an enhanced night mode and advanced functionalities to increase situational awareness.
It also integrates air traffic control functionalities and safety functions into a single display.
Additionally, the system can be paired with a digital 3D simulator for providing training in an environment, which is nearly identical to real-life operations.
Indra Tower area director Terje Dalen said: “Digital towers increase awareness in such a degree that we are convinced that it will become part of all major airports worldwide.
“Indra is once more pushing forward the digitalisation of the ATM sector, developing front-end technologies that fully answer the needs of our clients, bringing real benefits to aviation. We are proud to do this in partnership with HungaroControl.”
