FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE to Install Validation System for a Virtual Tower at Munich Airport
The aviation industry is continuously evolving, with technological advancements shaping the way air traffic is managed and monitored. One such innovation is the concept of a virtual tower, which utilizes cameras and advanced software to provide air traffic controllers with a comprehensive view of the airfield. FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE, a leading provider of air traffic management solutions, has been awarded a contract to install a validation system for a virtual tower at Munich Airport. This article explores the significance of this development and its potential impact on the future of air traffic control.
The System to Validate a Virtual Tower
The system to validate a virtual tower is being set up at the DFS branch at Munich Airport. This initiative aims to determine the potential of such solutions for hub airports and make them ready for deployment. The system is designed to support complex operations, including mixed approaches and departures, as well as independent parallel runway operations.
Award of the Contract
FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE was awarded the contract to supply this system in an international tender. This selection underscores the company’s expertise in the field of air traffic management and its commitment to innovation.
Initial Project Phase
In an initial project phase, the potential and suitability of the virtual tower for larger airports such as Munich will be determined and validated from both an operational and technical perspective. This phase will serve as a crucial step in assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of the virtual tower concept.
Specific Use Cases
Subsequently, specific use cases can be defined, such as setting up a virtual tower as an interim system during the renovation of the control tower at Munich Airport, which is required in the coming years. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of virtual tower solutions in addressing various operational needs.
Technical and Operational Validations
The technical and operational validations will be carried out in 2025. This comprehensive assessment will ensure that the virtual tower meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance.
Working Environment
The working environment of the virtual tower will be housed at the DFS branch in Munich. The 360-degree panorama cameras and the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras will be mounted on the existing control tower as part of the project. The 4K cameras will transmit the information to high-resolution screens in the DFS branch, serving as the best possible substitute for the view from the tower itself.
Commenting on the project, DFS CEO Arndt Schoenemann said: « DFS has been operating remote tower systems successfully for many years. Air traffic at Saarbrücken and Erfurt Weimar airports has been controlled since 2018 and 2022 respectively from the DFS Remote Tower Control Center in Leipzig hundreds of kilometres away. As Munich Airport is an important international hub, the virtual tower there will enable us to explore its potential and offer an opportunity to take a further step towards more digitalisation in the air traffic control world. »
Andreas Pötzsch, Managing Director of DFS Aviation Services, added: « When making such a fundamental change, it is important that all stakeholders, especially air traffic controllers, are engaged in the project at an early stage to ensure full acceptance. The key to the success of this project is the combination of Frequentis’ technical expertise and the operational experience of DFS Aviation Services. Together, we will put in place an optimal virtual solution at Munich Airport for the first validation phase. »
Frequentis CEO Norbert Haslacher said: « Setting up the digital tower system and the validation of the solution for larger hub airports are a major milestone for the digitalisation of air traffic control. I hope it will open up a wide range of potential applications and serve as an international flagship project. DFS Aviation Services and Frequentis have cultivated a mutually beneficial and successful partnership for many years. The foundation provided by this strong alliance will drive the future development of digital tower solutions around the world. »
The installation of a validation system for a virtual tower at Munich Airport represents a significant milestone in the evolution of air traffic management. As the aviation industry continues to embrace technological advancements, virtual towers are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety. FREQUENTIS DFS AEROSENSE’s involvement in this project underscores its commitment to innovation and its position as a leader in the field of air traffic management solutions.
