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

Western Sydney Airport Welcomes Its First Plane After 6 Years of construction

In a historic milestone for Australia’s aviation sector, the first plane has officially taken off and landed at Western Sydney Airport after six years of construction, much to the delight of a small but enthusiastic group of dedicated planespotters.

A test pilot made the inaugural landing using a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, successfully completing a series of take-off and landing runs on the newly built tarmac. This crucial test paves the way for larger passenger aircraft, which are expected to start using the runway in two years.

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The Piper PA-30 was employed to assess the airport’s approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGLs) by executing operations in various conditions, including daylight, dusk, and evening. This testing ensures that the lighting system is fit for purpose and ready to welcome aircraft when the airport opens to commercial flights in late 2026.

The pilot also highlighted that the rapid exit taxiways have been designed at a 45-degree angle, allowing for quicker transitions on and off the runway. Once operational, the airport will feature a single runway capable of handling up to 10 million passengers annually right from day one.

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As the construction phase nears completion, the airport’s main terminal, apron, and supporting infrastructure will be ready to accommodate around 81,000 flights each year. This milestone marks a significant moment for Western Sydney Airport, the first new airport to open in Australia since Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport more than two decades ago.

Major airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar, have already committed to operating from the 24/7 facility, signaling strong support for this new hub. By 2033, the airport aims to handle up to 10 million passengers and facilitate extensive air traffic movements annually.