Aena and Saerco unveiled the new digital control tower at Vigo Airport this Thursday, a technological project that will partially replace the traditional physical tower. The new operations center is located in a building adjacent to the airport and uses Skyway-Searidge technology, already implemented in over thirty European airports.
According to Aena, this digital tower maintains the same safety standards as a conventional one but provides controllers with more precise and comprehensive information through cameras, microphones, and other sensors deployed throughout the airfield.
This innovation allows controllers to have a 360-degree panoramic view, with three additional cameras covering areas of the airport that were not visible from the current physical tower.
The system projects the captured images onto a videowall made up of thirteen 55-inch monitors, enabling controllers to zoom in on specific areas of the airfield. Additionally, workstations are equipped with speakers that play real-time ambient audio from outside.
According to Aena and Saerco, the project began several years ago and has already been authorized by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).
The transition to the new digital tower will be gradual. The first phase, set to begin around June 11, will take place during low air traffic periods. During this transition, a controller will remain in the traditional tower as a backup in case operations need to be resumed manually.
Before the full implementation of the new system, air traffic controllers will undergo specialized training, including simulations and real-condition practice sessions, according to the companies.
This digital control tower technology is already in use at numerous European airports and is currently being implemented in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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