A NEW air traffic control system at Cork Airport is set to cut costs, increase safety, and facilitate the retention of 24-hour cover, it has been revealed.
In recent days, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) confirmed it has successfully completed operational trials on remote tower technology at Cork and Shannon airports.
![]()
The virtual control room in Dublin used to land planes at Cork Airport.
The new system means planes taking off from and landing at both airports can be directed remotely from a virtual control tower in Dublin.
Trials began in March last year when sensors, cameras and remote towers were installed. In the months that followed, the IAA tested out the system, gradually increasing the amount of aircraft controlled remotely.
The trials began during low-volume periods at night and gradually escalated in an effort to test the capabilities of the new method. Now, the IAA is hailing it a great success, saying it is “delighted” with the result.
“We believe this work represents the world’s first trial of multiple tower remote operations by a single air traffic controller,” said Peter Kearney, director of ATM Operations and Strategy at the IAA.
“Following these trials, we firmly believe that tower services at multiple airports can be safely provided by a single air traffic controller remotely. With carefully designed procedures, it will almost certainly be possible to allow one controller to simultaneously provide ATM services for more than one low volume aerodrome. This would be subject to successful safety assessments, regulatory approval and appropriate stakeholder consultation.”
IAA also demonstrated the significant safety benefits from the enhanced visual displays offered by the Remote Tower Centre. These include integrated track and label information as well as the ability to digitally enhance imagery.
“There are many critical areas to be addressed and these trials are a significant milestone in proving the reliability and integrity of these systems,” said Mr Kearney.
“Remote tower technology will play a vital role in the future of air traffic service for aerodromes across the world, including Ireland.”
The post Cork air traffic will soon be controlled by virtual tower in Dublin appeared first on Evening Echo.
