The solution combines Indra’s experience in delivering GBAS products into service and NATS’ operational capability. The new sytem will prove valuable to any capacity-constrained airport, providing a wide range of approach routes supported by a single system.
May 28, 2015 – NATS, the UK’s leading provider of air traffic services, and Indra Navia, subsidiary company of the Group Indra, the leading airport and air traffic management (ATM) technology provider, have announced a new air traffic enhancement solution utilizing Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) technology.
Indra have years of experience in delivering GBAS products into service and combined with NATS’ unparalleled expertise in turning technical functionality into operational capability, means that airports and ANSPs can expect a unique ‘one stop shop’ offering.
The joint solution takes a well-developed product and knowledge base and improves on the current capability of existing GBAS solutions, benefitting airports and ANSPs around the globe. It will prove valuable to any capacity-constrained airport, providing a wide range of approach routes supported by a single system. This will make it possible for airlines to reduce flying time, and therefore save on fuel consumption, whilst also reducing noise for residents near the airport through the use of higher approach angles.
The technical solution will be delivered into service by a team who understand the operational drivers, with in-house teams of airspace and procedure designers, specialist instructors to develop and deliver bespoke training programmes for staff, and provide the necessary safety assurance during implementation. The offering will cover planning and evaluation through to site selection, installation, commissioning, regulatory approval and in-service support.
Indra Navia brings a wealth of experience to the project, providing air traffic management solutions and services for clients worldwide, including the NORMARC family of Instrument Landing Systems and the NORMARC 8100 GBAS. Indra Navia’s vast knowhow and experience about the use, functionality and performances required of landing system technologies, will greatly contribute to the successful development of this unique industry offering.
NATS will apply its expertise and knowhow to facilitate the integration of a GBAS into operational service. NATS will also bridge the information gap between the technology provider and the various interested stakeholders, such as other air navigation service providers, airports, airline operators, and the regulator in this new, complex field.
This is the first innovative market solution to be worked on together since the signing of a strategic partnership by both companies in March this year.
“Leading the field in the next generation of landing systems is key in keeping our position in the ground-based navigational aids market space” says Eldar Hauge, President & CEO of Indra Navia. “Together with NATS, we are pleased to be pioneering the way the market will deploy Ground-Based Augmentation Systems.”
Iain Harris, Engineering Director, NATS, says: “NATS and Indra have a proven track record working with and optimising landing system technologies. We believe combining our joint expertise in the development of this solution will greatly benefit our customers – improving efficiency, safety and ultimately the passenger experience, across airports worldwide.”
What is GBAS?
GBAS provides corrections for, and integrity monitoring of, the Global Positioning Service (GPS), which is needed to support civil aviation safety critical applications such as precision approach and landing services. The system can provide guidance to aircraft for use as an alternative to Wide Area GNSS or conventional navigational aids, as well as guidance to ILS Category I without the need for airport restrictions that can hamper ILS operations.
GBAS allows for future operations for a variety of innovative solutions, such as variable glidepath angles for noise abatement, displaced thresholds for runway efficiency and wake vortex separation as well as full Category III (low visibility) operations.
About Indra
Indra is a worldwide leader in ATM/CNS systems for Air Navigation Services and Airports. Its portfolio includes ATM automation, communications, DVOR/DME/ILS navigational aids, conventional surveillance and satellite-based surveillance. Indra is a key technology supplier member of the SESAR Joint Undertaking. It has successfully completed more than 4,000 Air Traffic Management installations, in more than 160 countries.
Indra, with Fernando Abril-Martorell as Chairman & CEO, is Spain’s leading consulting and technology multinational and one of the most prominent in Europe and Latin America. Innovation is the cornerstone of its business, having allocated €583M to R&D&i over the past three years, making it one of the leading companies in Europe in its sector in terms of investment. In the 2014 financial year, its revenue was approximately €3 billion, with 57% of its income generated by the international market. It has 40,000 employees and customers in over 149 countries. www.indracompany.es
About NATS
NATS is a leading air navigation services specialist, handling 2.3 million flights in 2014/15, covering the UK and eastern North Atlantic. NATS provides air traffic control from centres at Swanwick, Hampshire and Prestwick, Ayrshire. NATS also provides air traffic control services at 14 UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow; at Gibraltar Airport and, in a joint venture with Ferrovial, at a number of airport towers in Spain.
Building on its reputation for operational excellence and innovation, NATS also offers aerodrome, data, engineering and consultancy solutions to customers worldwide, including airports, air traffic service providers and Governments. There is more information on the NATS website at www.nats.aero
For more NATS information please contact the NATS Press Office on +44 (0)1489 615945, email press.office@nats.co.uk or tweet @natspressoffice. Alternatively, for more Indra information contact the Indra Press Office on + (34) 91 480 97 01 or email indraprensa@indracompany.com.
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