HungaroControl Launches Cutting-Edge Remote Airport System
HungaroControl Unveils Groundbreaking Remote Control System for Airports
HungaroControl, the Hungarian air traffic control service provider, unveiled its innovative remote control system for airports on Tuesday, a development deemed unique by Economy Minister Márton Nagy. At the ceremonial handover of the 8 billion forint (approximately 20 million euros) investment, Minister Nagy highlighted the significance of this pioneering achievement for the future of air traffic control.
The new modular integrated remote tower control system (mirTWR) enhances the safe and efficient operation of Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Budapest. It also holds the potential to extend services to smaller regional airports in the future.
Minister Nagy addressed the need for improved air traffic management, especially as the Hungarian economy slowly recovers, with tourism playing an essential role. He noted a remarkable increase in both business and tourism air travelers, accentuated by a notable rise in cargo traffic. Last year, Budapest Airport facilitated 17.6 million passengers, a rise of three million compared to the previous year, while cargo volumes surged by 50% to reach 300,000 tons.
In addition to managing airport traffic, HungaroControl oversees overflights, with 1,143,937 aircraft passing through Hungarian airspace last year. The Minister underscored that a highly skilled team of air traffic controllers and efficient software support are crucial for managing these complex operations. "As we aim to increase passenger numbers at Budapest Airport to 20 million by 2030, this investment is a vital step forward," he asserted.
Spearheading this transformation, Ferenc Turi, Managing Director of HungaroControl, proclaimed that the company is now the world’s first air traffic control service provider capable of managing terminal traffic at an airport from any location. This system is adept at handling the complex traffic of a major airport, like Budapest, while also ensuring operational continuity through a fully functional reserve system.
The investment was executed in phases with co-funding from the European Union, with Norwegian technology partner Indra Navia playing a critical role. Managing Director Andrew Paul Fiamingo characterized the system as an innovative solution, developed in close collaboration with HungaroControl’s management and technical specialists.
HungaroControl Zrt. is a state-owned entity with over 800 employees, providing air traffic control services in Hungary’s airspace and on behalf of NATO in the upper airspace above Kosovo. The company’s sole shareholder is N7 Holding Nemzeti Védelmi Ipari Innovációs Zrt., with indirect ownership rights held by the Hungarian Ministry for National Economy.
For more updates on aviation developments, stay tuned.
(Via MTI, Featured Image: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd)
