NATS and Indra launch iTEC System in Prestwick

UK-based air traffic management (ATM) services provider NATS and Indra will work together to deploy the iTEC system in Prestwick Centre Upper Airspace, an ATM technology that is said to increase efficiency and strengthen safety.

This new system will introduce SESAR’s trajectory-based flight concept in the UK, which will strengthen performance and safety.

This new technology brings together air navigation service providers from Spain, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, along with systems provider Indra. It will help to improve the interoperability between control centres in Europe, as well as help aircrafts to optimise their routes.

The system provides advanced flight data processing and controller working position under system-wide information management (SWIM), which will improve information flow in control centres and airports.

The system can also predict potential aircraft conflicts and aims to increase the efficiency of individual flights, as well as supports an increase in traffic capacity in UK airspace.

NATS will also ensure a reduction in airline costs, delays and CO2 emissions.

iTEC complies with the European Commission’s goal of achieving a single European sky (SES).

NATS managing director operations Martin Rolfe said: "iTEC will be key to the future success of some of the busiest airspace in Europe and, indeed the world."

Indra director general Rafael Gallego said: "This implementation at Prestwick is a real breakthrough in the roadmap towards NATS SESAR deployment using iTEC technology.

The system control centre has been set up in Prestwick, UK, which offers air traffic services across northern England, Scotland and the north-east Atlantic.