Global technology and consulting firm Indra has secured a contract from HungaroControl, a Hungarian air navigation service provider, to manage air traffic at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) from a remote location.
The agreement will see Indra delivering a comprehensive and integrated solution for Budapest Airport, which will enable HungaroControl to control air traffic services at the airport from a remote location.
HungaroControl CEO Kornel Szepessy said: “HungaroControl is preparing for the future of air traffic management. With the remote tower solution from Indra, we take a giant step forward in achieving our objectives.
“Smart technology and automation are tools to support human decision-making. By providing our air traffic controllers with the newest technology, we enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness. This benefits us, the airport, the airlines and ultimately the passengers.”
Indra claims that its integrated solution will offer better visuals to air traffic controllers than from a conventional tower.
The controllers will be able to view all the required information, air traffic control functionalities and safety functions in a single integrated display.
Upon completion, Budapest Airport is set to become the first of mainland European capital airports to have its air traffic controlled from a facility outside of the airport premises.
Cameras will be deployed at various locations across the airports to improve the visual observation of the airport and other areas.
With the inclusion of augmented reality (AR) technology, air traffic controllers will be able to zoom in and automatically follow moving objects.
The visual presentation will also include additional information such as MET, a highlight of geographic features and safety nets.
Indra will also deliver a label-based flight plan system to HungaroControl with additional flight lists integrated into their tower display.
The label-based flight plan system has been designed for delivering multi-airport operations.
HungaroControl’s air traffic controllers will receive 4K image quality with Indra’s optical solution called IRTOS. It is said to provide a panoramic view of the airport with colour night vision and virtual overlays.
Indra said that it will deliver three separate systems, the first of which is to be used operationally while the second will be deployed at their contingency centre and the third to be used as a test system.
Implementation works will begin immediately and are expected to run for the next two years.
In another development, Poland’s air navigation services provider PANSA signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Indra to establish a framework of cooperation for the digitalisation of air traffic services.
