Two facilities set up to focus on air traffic management R&D
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE – The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has set its sights on developing the Republic as a centre of excellence for air traffic management to meet the needs of the country and the Asia-Pacific region.
Two facilities dedicated to air traffic management research and development (R&D) have been established, and plans are afoot to develop a concept for a remote control tower.
Set up by the CAAS and the Nanyang Technological University, the Air Traffic Management Research Institute conducts academic-based research for innovative solutions.
Meanwhile, the MITRE Asia Pacific Singapore (MAPS), a tie-up between the CAAS and the non-profit MITRE Corporation, will support the CAAS in developing and harmonising air traffic management in the Asia-Pacific region.
A third R&D facility – in the form of a joint laboratory - is on the cards, after the CAAS and Institute for Infocomm Research signed an agreement in February this year.
In a first for a high-intensity operations airport, the authorities are also experimenting with remote tower technology – a potential back-up for the actual control tower – here.
Such technology could reduce operation costs, especially for airports with low air traffic volume. It could also help air navigation service providers to avoid interruption of service during emergencies involving fires or earthquakes.
So far, development in this area has been focused on airports with low to medium air traffic volume, with the first full-service remote air traffic control tower starting its operations in October 2014 for a small Sweden airport.
“CAAS assesses that the remote tower technology is fast maturing and suitable for airports with high intensity runway operations, such as Changi Airport,” said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) on Tuesday (April 12).
In October 2014, the CAAS embarked on a joint research project with MAPS to develop a remote tower concept of operations for Changi Airport.
“The project will determine the concept of operation and business case for a remote tower facility for Changi East (where Runway 3 and Terminal 5 will be located), identify the risks and mitigating measures, and develop approaches for active engagement of stakeholders,” said the MOT.
