Smart ATM

Remote Tower

In a matter of years, remote tower technology has re-written the rulebook on air traffic control. Initially conceived as a smart, safe and sustainable solution for airports with very low traffic density, remote towers are now becoming a reality at airports with significantly higher traffic movements,

 

In the first SESAR JU programme (2008-2016), members and partners showed the feasibility of physically separating the control tower and controllers, while still enabling the safe provision of ATC services at an airport. This R&D led to the first single remote tower deployment  - which in many ways has become the template for ensuing deployments - at Sweden's Örnsköldsvik Airport in 2014.

The smaller physical footprint of remote towers has prompted airport planners and architects to rethink how the valuable liberated space can be exploited for other operational and business purposes. This has been the case at London City (LCY) Airport which is undergoing a substantial £350 million (EUR 400 million) redevelopment.

This solution #71 is successfully implemented at Örnsköldsvik Airport, controlled from the Sundsvall ATC as well as Stockholm Arlanda that is controlling four airports: Kiruna Airport, Umeå Airport, Åre Östersund Airport and Malmö Airport

More on Single Remote Tower

The story of remote towers does not end there. With SESAR 2020 (2016-2020), testing is underway on the 'remote tower centre' (RTC) where a number of modules can be deployed that can cover multiple airports on a 'one module to one airport' basis. Such a centre is being established at Arlanda to provide remote air traffic control to airports in Malmö, Östersund, Umeå and Kiruna to over 20 digitally-connected airports. A similar installation is planned in Norway, where 15 airports will be operated by a tower centre in Bodø by the end of 2020. 

More on Multiple Remote Towers

  • 20.05.2021

    Keeping an augmented eye on the traffic

    Binoculars are still used in control towers for everyday operations. Now researchers from SESAR JU member, NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre, are investigating augmented reality goggles that will help controllers better manage airport traffic! The tests are part of PJ.05-W2-97 into virtual reality and AR applications in tower environments.

    Read more
  • 19.05.2021

    London City Airport goes digital!

    Read more
  • 11.05.2021

    The multiplier effect of SESAR remote towers

    In a matter of years, remote tower technology has re-written the rulebook on air traffic control. With a proven return on investment, remote towers offer a possible lifeline for smaller and regional airports struggling to survive during these difficult times, says Florian Guillermet, Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking.

    ATC Network

    Read more