Airport

World’s first Remote Digital ATC London

World’s first Remote Digital ATC: Following extensive tests and live demonstrations of the advanced system during the lockdown, London City Airport has become the world’s first major international airport to be directly controlled by a remote digital air traffic control tower.

All flights on the summer schedule are directed to land or take off from the heart of the London Docklands business district by air traffic controllers located 115 kilometers away at NATS’ air traffic control center in Swanwick, Hampshire, using an ‘enhanced reality’ view provided by a state-of-the-art 50m digital control tower.

The technology represents a significant advancement in global air traffic management and will assist the airport in meeting an anticipated increase in demand for flying during the summer season, as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted on Monday, May 17th.

Following the completion of new aircraft stands and a full-length parallel taxiway, which became operational in December 2020, the multi-million-pound investment in tested remote digital technology marks a significant milestone in City Airport’s investment in its future.

“We are immensely proud to become the first major international airport to adopt this pioneering technology. […] It is also a demonstration of the commitment to innovation in the UK aviation sector and to being at the forefront of defining the future of flight,” said Alison FitzGerald, Chief Operating Officer at London City Airport.

The digital control tower at London City Airport was completed in 2019 and has undergone rigorous testing before being fully operational. The airport’s expansion program would include the redevelopment of the 30-year-old analog tower, which was scheduled for a major update.

Will remote Towers enhance Air Traffic Safety ?

Airport

Three Major UK Airports Up for Multi-Billion Pound Sale

Three major UK airports, including London City, Birmingham, and Bristol, are set to be sold in a multi-billion pound deal as their Canadian owner, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), seeks to capitalize on a booming air travel market.

The OTPP is in talks with minority shareholders about selling its stakes in these airports, as well as its holdings in Brussels and Copenhagen airports.

Current evaluations suggest the combined value of the five airports exceeds £10 billion, with OTPP owning between 25% and 70% stakes in each, potentially bringing the total sale to over £3.5 billion.

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The move comes as global aviation experiences a strong recovery, driving increased demand for air travel, particularly across Europe. The OTPP, which holds a significant portion of its portfolio in these airports, is in the process of offering its shares to co-investors with a 30-day “right of first refusal” period.

Analysts speculate that the sale could trigger a chain reaction, prompting other stakeholders to consider selling their shares, particularly if a new buyer seeks a controlling interest.

Bristol Airport, for example, has outlined an ambitious master plan to expand its capacity from 12 million passengers per year to 15 million by 2036, addressing the growing demand in the region.

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Meanwhile, London’s Heathrow and Stansted airports have seen record passenger traffic, further underscoring the sector’s recovery.

As the 30-day period progresses, the OTPP’s decision could spark a flurry of activity, with other investors such as Australian giant Macquarie reportedly showing interest in the airports.

This potential sale is set to reshape the future of UK airport ownership and investment, as the aviation industry continues to recover and grow.