Saab To Install Digital Towers At New Airport
Construction of the new Scandinavian Mountains Airport is under way in Sälen, Sweden; the new facility is projected to begin operations during the 2019 to 2020 winter season. Airport officials say it will improve infrastructure and accessibility to Sweden and Norway’s rapidly developing mountain region, but its greatest distinction initially will be that it won’t have a traditional air traffic control tower. Instead, the airport selected Saab Digital Air Traffic Solutions AB to install and operate digital towers, marking the first time a new airport will implement a fully digital tower system.
A Digital Transformation
Saab will begin installation of its R-TWR system this year and continue work into next year. Per Saab’s agreement with the airport, tower control operations will commence from a digital tower center in Sundsvall, Sweden, in December 2019 and continue for 10 years. Scandinavian Mountains Airport CEO Brett Weihart says that using digital tower technologies and services will enable the airport to future-proof its operations and “ensure cost-efficient and flexible service.”
New Potential
Saab describes its remote tower solutions as providing “a smarter approach to air traffic control,” including digitizing and integrating airport functions. Transitioning to a digital solution from a conventional tower, Saab explains, allows for enhanced efficiency, productivity, and new and more flexible business models for air navigation service providers and airports.
“The centralization of air traffic control for towers and other services like approach, MET [aviation meteorology], training and simulation, technical supervision, and rostering is the key for creating that efficiency and productivity, as well as an attractive working environment for the air traffic controllers, technicians, and managers,” Saab states.
Beginning in 2019, travelers will be able to fly both nationally and internationally via regular and charter flights to the Scandinavian Mountains area via the Scandinavian Mountains Airport. The new facility will incorporate shopping and other activities, and will serve various destinations in the region, including the Sälen and Trysil ski resorts.
Source: Saab
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