Post published:05/07/2022
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:5 mins read

Airport recognised for pioneering Digital Air Traffic Control Tower project
European award notes the successful cross industry partnership working with NATS, SAAB and CAA as integral
LCY receives the award at the 32^nd Annual ACI Europe Congress in Rome

Rome, Italy – 24 June 2022

Following on from being named by the Daily Telegraph as the best airport in the UK, last night, London City was awarded the Digital Transformation Award at the 32^nd ACI Europe Annual Congress in Rome.

The award was in recognition for the design, delivery, and operational success of the pioneering Digital Air Traffic Control Tower, which has been fully operational at London City since January 2021.

Unlike most airports, air traffic control is provided by a digital system, which sees 14 high-definition cameras and sensors mounted on a landside mast at the airport that provide a 360-degree view of the airfield. This is all relayed through super-fast fibre connections to a new control room in NATS’ air traffic control centre in Swanwick.

The judges, which included representatives from ACI Europe and SESAR, noted the swift deployment of the project and to the close partnership working between the airport, NATS, SAAB, the CAA, as well as engagement with important airline and local community stakeholders. The category was open to all European airports and London City received the award in Rome, the home of the 2021 winners Aeroporti di Roma, who were recognised for their brand-new digital Airport Operations System and Innovation Hub.

Commenting on the award, the airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Alison FitzGerald said:

“This project goes back to 2016 and I want to pay tribute to everyone involved in getting it approved by our regulators, as well as built, operationally ready and prepared for a busy summer ahead.

This recognition also speaks to the strength of the relationship we have built with NATS over the years, and I am hopeful that there is even more we can achieve together, helping us both to lead the way in making our industry safer, more sustainable and cutting edge.”

Looking ahead to the summer, the airport is set to connect to 36 destinations across the UK and Europe, including LCY only routes with San Sebastian via British Airways on July 8^th and Deauville via l’Odyssey.

The airport is fully staffed for the summer getaway and will continue to offer the fast, convenient airport experience, which it is known for.

**ENDS**

Notes to Editors:

More information on the ACI Europe Annual Congress can be found here: https://aci-europe-events.org/
Video footage of London City Airport’s remote digital tower can be watched here: https://youtu.be/MsoxL6tMG_I
Photography of London City Airport’s remote digital tower can be viewed here: https://media.londoncityairport.com/digital-air-traffic-control-tower/
Infographics detailing the technical specifications and benefits of London City Airport’s remote digital control tower can be viewed here and here
In 2021, London City was ranked as the most punctual airport in London
The link to the Daily Telegraph ranking is here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/ranked-rated-britains-best-worst-airports/
For more information contact Liam McKay, Director of Corporate Affairs: liam.mckay@londoncityairport.com, 07545439073

www.londoncityairport.com

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My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

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