Air traffic system tests begin

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has begun testing a system that would allow air traffic control functions at Shannon and Cork airports to be undertaken from a remote centre in Dublin.

Dedicated towers, with high-definition cameras providing 360 degree coverage, have been constructed at Shannon and Cork and will feed high definition imagery to a Remote Tower Centre (RTC) at Dublin Airport.

Aerospace and defence company Saab has pioneered the development of the remote tower system in co-operation with air traffic controllers and air navigation service providers. The Swedish company signed a contract with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) last year to deliver the remote tower installations.