Avinor, recently, has begun the trial operation of numerous operations at the Remote Tower Centre in Bodø. The fact is that multiple operations on digital tower mean that one AFIS agent can go ahead and take care of over one airport, and that too from the same working position. Interestingly, this solution has been developed in order to make sure of a safe and stable as well as an efficient service delivery, all of which is likely to lead to much better usage of resources and, along with it, increased robustness.
According to Jan Gunnar Pedersen, Executive Vice President for Air Navigation at Avinor, “We are now taking an important step forward in the development of digital tower service in Norway. Multiple operations give us increased flexibility, better preparedness, and a more efficient service, without compromising on safety.”
High standards of safety
Notably. The trial operation has been prepared by way of extensive system upgrades and procedures in addition to training of operational personnel located at the tower center. It is going to be carried out with four selected airport pairs, namely, Rørvik–Namsos, Mehamn–Hasvik, Vardø–Berlevåg, and Røst–Svolvær.
Apparently, there are clear criteria and routines that have already been put into place so as to activate and also deactivate many operations. The trial period happens to be assessed on an ongoing basis, and that too in close cooperation with Widerøe as well as the Civil Aviation Authority.
Pedersen adds, “The goal is always the same high safety standard as in traditional towers. At the same time, trial operation allows us to verify the interaction between people, processes, and technology in real operations.”
Historic landmark for Norwegian aviation
Because of the trial operation, Avinor has become the first in the world to have multiple operations on digital tower. This represents a major technological advancement and also, in a way, positions Bodø as a global competence center as far as digital tower service is concerned. This is indeed quite a significant milestone when it comes to the ambition of Avinor so as to take a leading role as far as future digitalization of the air traffic services is concerned.
Pedersen concludes by stating that “For the team in Bodø, this is not just a milestone. It is historic. We are setting a new standard internationally and marking an important step in the development of digital tower services.”
Background
It is well to be noted that ever since 2019, Avinor has developed a world-leading expertise when it comes to digital towers. The Tower Centre, situated in Bodø, at present operates 14 airports digitally by way of advanced cameras and along with-it sensor systems. The technology solution is supplied by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with Indra being the subcontractor. There are multiple operations that are indeed a further development, hence making it possible to handle beyond one airport simultaneously from one working position when the traffic is low, and are planned to get executed gradually step after step post a successful trial operation along with a regulatory dialogue.
