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 ?