AVTECH to participate in the provision of innovative capacity management solutions at Heathrow Airport

AVTECH Sweden AB (publ) (“AVTECH” or “the Company”) today announces that it has, as part of a team consisting of NATS, the UK’s leading provider of air traffic services, as prime contractor and Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics, McLaren Applied Technologies and AVTECH as Partners, won a capacity management contract with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), which is to run for four years. AVTECH’s part of the undisclosed total contract value is approximately 80 000 GBP during the length of the contract, with a potential of an expansion.  

The contract will deliver an enhanced automatic airport capacity analysis capability, which will allow Heathrow Airport to rapidly assess proposed changes to the airport infrastructure. The capability will also enhance the schedule planning process, assist in making the airport more efficient and help Heathrow deliver its operating schedule to plan.

This will be achieved by giving the airport access to a set of enhanced capacity analysis tools, specifically configured to Heathrow and the unique challenges it faces, through a web-based portal. This will allow the airport planning and operations teams to assess the impact of various factors on performance, such as taxiway closures, apron restrictions, stand closure and reallocation, and air traffic control/ground movement procedures. Other effects such as schedule delays and weather conditions can also be incorporated.

This is the first time this capacity management solution is being utilized and while the initial delivery has been tailored to Heathrow’s particular specifications, there is a core solution that will be available to other airport customers in future.

The combination of several robust analysis tools, together with the speed of delivering results and the expertise of all partners – NATS, Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics, McLaren Applied Technologies and AVTECH - makes this an innovative and ground breaking tool, which will allow airports around the world to increase capacity and improve overall performance.

Mike Stoller, Director of Operations (Airports) NATS, said: “For Heathrow to run an efficient and resilient airport, keeping to schedule is vital and NATS is delighted to be supporting the airport through the delivery of an innovative capacity management tool that has the potential to fundamentally change the way in which its schedule is constructed. Working with our partners, McLaren Applied Technologies, Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics and AVTECH Sweden AB, the simulation and modelling capability will successfully support the delivery of the current scheduling process as well as enabling the simulation of any major infrastructure changes.

“This project serves as a first step towards our intent to develop a compelling airport performance proposition, which will bring new products to the market and directly support our growth agenda, as well as ensuring our current airport customers have access to innovative solutions and added value.”

Dr Andrew Robinson, Managing Director, Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics said: Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics is proud to be part of the team that will deliver the technology that will improve passenger experience, reduce environmental impact and increase operational efficiency through improved capacity management at LHR, one of the busiest airports of the world. This project will provide a platform to consolidate data from previously disparate sources enabling a higher level of integration and consequentially improved airport capacity and will set the benchmark for global aviation.

Mike Phillips, Head of Simulation Systems, McLaren Applied Technologies said: “For decades McLaren has led the Formula 1 world in the use of advanced simulation technology to gain a competitive advantage and help us win races. This world leading expertise is now being used to improve the sustainability of aviation, by providing cutting edge decision support tools to be used at Heathrow Airport. The combination of Formula 1 and the world’s busiest airport may seem unlikely, but at both Grand Prix races and Heathrow Airport we are seeking to achieve very similar goals – to increase efficiency, maintain the highest levels of safety and continually improve performance. In partnership with the other blue chip companies involved in this project, we are confident that we can make a significant difference to the efficiency and environmental impact of this crucial transport hub.”      

Lars Lindberg, President, AVTECH, said: "This is truly an exciting project for aviation. AVTECH is honored to be a part of a game changing team which includes some of the best organizations both inside and outside of aviation. We are convinced that the team will implement an industry changing system at London's Heathrow, which will lead to a new standard in schedule forecasting throughout the world."

Derek Provan, Director of Airside Operations at Heathrow Airport said: “We are delighted to be working with NATS and their partners on the airfield capacity management solution. The innovation it offers will deliver Heathrow a step change in our capability at the same time as reducing our operating costs. We look forward to rolling out the suite of integrated tools across our business throughout this year.”

For more information, please contact

Christer Staaf, CEO, +46 (0) 8 544 104 80

Ryan Ellison, Business Unit Director, Consultancy, +46 (0) 8 544 104 80

About AVTECH Sweden AB (publ)

AVTECH develops products and services for digital Air Traffic Management (ATM). Its customers include the global aviation industry; e.g. airlines, airports, aviation authorities, technology companies and airline manufacturers. By using AVTECH’s products and services, each individual flight as well as the entire airline operation can be optimized in terms of cost, noise and emission, efficiency, punctuality and safety. The head office is in Stockholm, Sweden with subsidiaries in Toulouse, France and Dubai, U.A.E. AVTECH Sweden AB is listed on NASDAQ OMX First North and has appointed Mangold Fondkommission AB as Certified Adviser.