Remote air traffic control systems set for Irish airports

Ireland has moved a step closer to having its airspace managed via digitially controlled, remotely located control towers, rather than by individually manned air traffic control towers at each airport.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has branded as a success recent remote management trials at Cork, Shannon, and Dublin airports and said that while the concept and relevant technology is still at the early stage, they are likely to play a future role in Ireland’s aviation sector.

“Following these trials, we firmly believe that tower services at multiple airports can be safely provided by a single air traffic controller remotely,” said Peter Kearney, IAA director of air traffic management operations