Future of ATC
What is the future of air traffic control?
Despite the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the global air travel industry is still expected to expand rapidly over the coming decade. IATA predict an annual growth rate of between 1.5% and 3.8% from now until 2040, with most of this growth occurring in the Middle East and China. As our skies become busier, it’s only natural that Air Traffic Management (ATM) teams must become more efficient.
Why is technology so vital in Air Traffic Management?
Embracing new technologies is key to safe, responsible aviation in the future; by utilising the wealth of technologies that are now available, airports and ATM teams around the world can improve safety for flight crews and travellers, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve operational efficiency at the same time. This will allow airports and aviation companies to meet rising passenger demands without compromising on the safety or quality of the services they offer.
The future of ATM
The future of ATM is just around the corner. Many of the technologies that we predict will gain traction over the next couple of decades are already here, and being implemented by some of the most advanced and progressive airports around the world. Let’s take a look at those technologies that will no doubt be ubiquitous in Air Traffic Management facilities across the globe by 2040.
Air Traffic Management Automation Systems (ATMAS)
An Air Traffic Management Automation System can partially automate the ATM process in order to provide safer, simpler ATC services. Automated ATC solutions can increase visibility at airports, ensure that air traffic controllers have access to important data as early as possible, and boost communication between ATM and pilots.
Electronic Flight Strips (EFPS)
Electronic Flight Strips can be used to replace analogue flight strips in air traffic control towers. EFS look and work in a very similar way to analogue strips, but they can be configured to both the flight tower and the individual user. EFS improve operational efficiency within air traffic control teams by allowing for real-time data updates and enabling ATM teams to share data with stakeholders in order to inform data-driven decision-making.
General Information Monitoring Systems (GIMS)
Information Monitoring Systems of various different kinds are now used by aviation specialists to track and monitor the health and status of aircraft and other important assets. The best example of a GIMS in modern aviation is Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems, which can provide real-time data about the health and condition of an aircraft to ATM teams and engineers on the ground, enabling faster response times and empowering airlines to take a more dynamic approach to aircraft management.
Departure/Arrival Manager Systems (DMAN/AMAN)
Accommodating departing and arriving planes is often considered to be one of the main bottlenecks in airport capacity; if airports can manage departures and arrivals more efficiently, it’s possible to increase capacity safely and economically. Automated DMAN and AMAN systems can make it easy to manage departures and arrivals in the most efficient way by offering a suite of tools that can be used by ATM teams to manage runway allocation, departure schedules, flow planning, and much more.
Get in touch
Over the next 20 years, airports around the world will be investing in technology that can make the aviation industry safer, greener, and more economical. Contact us to find out how we can help you take your first steps towards clean and responsible Air Traffic Management today.