Air traffic has faced major challenges in recent years as a result of both the pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression. All operators in the sector are determinedly seeking ways to adapt their business to current circumstances and improve the quality and efficiency of their services. In Finland, trends in airport traffic and passenger numbers have further diverged as a result of these crises, and low-traffic airports in particular are in a challenging position.
Introducing remote air traffic control is one project that could improve the cost-effectiveness of the air navigation sector, as it would enable high-quality services to be flexibly provided on demand. This would make it easier to operate airports where the number of flights is either low or varies greatly at different times. Security of supply would improve, and, for example, the urgent transport of organs and patients would no longer be dependent on airport opening hours. This approach would enhance the accessibility of both Finland as a whole and its various regions.
Developments will have to be made in air navigation, as both electric flights and drone flights will become more common in the future. The introduction of the Multi Remote Operating Tower (MROT) would enable the flexible provision of air traffic control services for several airports from a single workstation. This would improve both airport service levels and preparedness in air traffic control. It would also enable us to provide air traffic services at a lower cost.
Fintraffic (which provides air navigation services) has been following technological advancements in the sector for many years and has been planning an internationally groundbreaking air traffic control concept that is particularly suited to conditions in Finland. According to the plan, the possible implementation of the MROT project would mean that air traffic control at the Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo, Maarianhamina, Oulu, Turku and Vaasa airports would be implemented as remote air traffic control.
For reasons arising from a possible reorganisation of operations, Fintraffic Air Navigation Services will initiate change negotiations. A decision on possible system tendering process would be made after the change negotiations. If a system tendering process is launched and a decision on the implementation of the MROT project is made after the tendering process, the project could proceed towards an estimated commissioning in 2025–2027.
“As air navigation work goes digital, remote air traffic control would be a natural next step in the development of air traffic. We’ve had discussions with various ATM system suppliers in the market, and we have explored a range of solutions. Devices that support our concept are already on the market, and our concept would be able to meet the requirements in terms of both equipment and operational activities,” says Raine Luojus, CEO of Fintraffic Air Navigation Services.
The state-owner, airlines and airports require Fintraffic to provide solutions for more climate-friendly and cost-effective air navigation services. EU regulations also require air navigation service providers to continuously develop and improve their operations.
