Belgian Air Traffic Control Enters New Era with Saab’s Digital Tower Technology
(IN BRIEF) Recently unveiled in Steenokkerzeel, Belgium, the Digital Tower Test Centre by Skeyes, the Belgian air traffic service provider, stands as a testament to technological innovation. Developed in collaboration with Saab, a pioneer in digital air traffic management technology, this center serves as a prototype for the forthcoming digital control center slated for Namur, Belgium. Expected to be operational by 2026, the center, based on Saab’s Remote Tower (r-TWR) solution, will remotely manage air traffic at Charleroi and Liège airports, located 100 km apart. Its primary function is to train air traffic controllers and acclimate staff to the new technology. Per Ahl, CEO at Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions, expresses pride in this collaborative venture, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of air traffic control. Saab’s contribution includes integrating advanced technologies such as camera systems, simulators, and visual presentation tools for controllers. Noteworthy is the integration of an airport surveillance and Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) functionality, ensuring accurate aircraft tracking even in adverse weather conditions. Saab’s involvement extends beyond Namur, with engagements in digital control center development in Flanders, Belgium.
(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 31-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant stride towards the future of air traffic management, the Belgian air traffic service provider Skeyes has unveiled its state-of-the-art Digital Tower Test Centre in Steenokkerzeel, Belgium. This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with Saab AB (STO: SAAB-B), a leading provider of digital air traffic solutions, heralds a new era in aviation technology.
The Digital Tower Test Centre serves as a prototype for the forthcoming digital control center, a joint venture between Skeyes and Société Wallonne des Aéroports, slated to commence operations in Namur, Belgium, by 2026. Leveraging Saab’s cutting-edge Remote Tower (r-TWR) solution, the center is poised to revolutionize air traffic management, particularly at Charleroi and Liège airports, situated 100 km apart. These airports will benefit from remote air traffic management, optimizing efficiency and safety.
Per Ahl, CEO at Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions, expressed pride in the collaboration with Skeyes, emphasizing the significance of the Digital Tower Test Centre as a milestone in advancing air traffic control. Saab’s expertise, encompassing the integration of advanced technologies such as camera systems, simulators, and visual presentation interfaces, promises enhanced reliability and safety in air traffic management.
A notable achievement facilitated by Saab is the seamless integration of an airport surveillance system and Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) functionality into the digital tower concept. This integration empowers air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft movements with precision, even amidst adverse weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Beyond the collaboration with Skeyes in Namur, Saab’s involvement extends to the development of digital control centers in Flanders, Belgium. This multi-faceted partnership underscores the commitment to innovation and excellence in advancing air traffic management solutions for the benefit of the aviation industry.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 22,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.
