LFV and Swedavia investigates the conditions for Remote Towers Services
LFV and Swedavia have signed a Letter of Intent, to investigate the potential to establish remote tower services at five Swedish airports.
LFV has during a ten year period developed Remote Tower Services or RTS. On April 21, Infrastructure Minister Anna Johansson inaugurated the Remote Tower Centre in Sundsvall and since then aircrafts at Örnsköldsvik Airport have been controlled remotely.
“RTS is being developed on a global basis, but LFV was first both with the operative approval of the technology and putting it into operative service. Moreover, our letter of intent with Swedavia means we will investigate the conditions to establish reliable and safe remote air traffic services on a large scale in Sweden,” says LFV’s Director General Olle Sundin.
The five airports to be included in the study are Malmö and Visby in the southern part of Sweden and Östersund, Umeå and Kiruna in the northern part. The idea is for the control centre for the five airports to be located close to LFV’s Air Traffic Control Centre at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which means placement in the Stockholm region.
“For Swedavia it is important to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the technology, and the streamlining and synergies that digitalisation permits. RTS is an example of this that we now want to look at in detail to see whether we can develop our airports,” says Per Arenhage, Director of Technology at Swedavia.
The LoI that LFV and Swedavia have signed means that there is an intention to conduct an in-depth pilot study about how a possible introduction of RTS at Swedavia’s airports can be implemented. The pilot study will highlight operative, technical and commercial aspects but also any impact on the Swedish Armed Forces and the supply of personnel.
The earliest start of RTS for one of Swedavia’s airports is 2018/2019.
“The initial analysis shows that RTS gives Swedavia measurable benefits, both operative and financial. Swedavia is LFV’s largest airport customer and to support the development of their ability and business has the highest priority for LFV,” says Olle Sundin.
For further information, please phone the LFV press office at +4611-192050.
Facts about LFV
LFV offers air traffic control and air traffic services, as well as related services, both nationally and internationally.
LFV is working to develop and improve European air space through cooperation with various alliances and organizations.
LFV develops new services and operational models in order to meet increased demands for capacity, accessibility and sustainability.
LFV was first in the world to secure approval for remote air traffic management. Since April 2015, LFV air traffic controllers in Sundsvall manage air traffic at Örnsköldsvik Airport.
LFV has 1,200 employees, and an annual budget of SEK 3.4 billion.
