UK-based air navigation services provider (ANSP) NATS has secured a new contract to design and deliver a new voice communications system (VCS) at England’s Bristol Airport.

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As part of the contract, NATS Services will have to replace Bristol Airport’s VCS over the coming 12 months.

NATS will execute the VCS replacement in an overhaul of the bespoke system that enables air traffic controllers in the control tower of the airport to communicate with the airplane and vehicles under their management.

NATS Bristol Airport Air Traffic Services general manager Pete Glass said: “NATS is very excited to have won this important contract.

“We have an excellent customer relationship with Bristol Airport and we’re pleased to have been asked to replace one of the key pieces of equipment in the tower; it’s a significant success for our engineering team, and one that is testament to great teamwork backed by our wealth of industry expertise.”

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"NATS is very excited to have won this important contract."

Under the deal, the British ANSP will be responsible for the development, design and deployment of the new VCS system, which is built around the Internet Protocol (IP)-based Frequentis 3020X VCS and Jotron transmitters and receivers.

The new VCS system is to be implemented at Bristol Airport and will offer a clear and effective solution that can address the airport’s present, as well as future technical requirements.

The modern equipment will be installed around the airfield and in the air traffic control (ATC) tower itself and be capable of improving voice clarity and upgrading the airport with the latest technology.

It will also ensure that the system is well equipped to be connected with technological advances of the future.


Image: NATS to deliver new voice communications system at Bristol Airport. Photo: courtesy of NATS.

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