Spanish ENAIRE extends FREQUENTIS contingency communication and maintenance project for up to 12 years
In the realm of air traffic control (ATC), ensuring seamless communication systems is paramount for the safety and efficiency of air travel. Spanish air navigation service provider (ANSP) ENAIRE has taken a significant step towards bolstering its contingency communication infrastructure by extending its collaboration with Frequentis, a leading provider of communication and information solutions for safety-critical industries. This extension marks a strategic move to enhance the resilience and reliability of communication systems across major ATC centers in Spain.
Contract for expansion and maintenance of the voice communication backup systems for all major Spanish air traffic control (ATC) centres
The core of this extended partnership revolves around the expansion and maintenance of the Last Resort Voice system, which serves as a crucial backup for primary communication channels. Under the terms of the contract, Frequentis will be responsible for augmenting the capacity of voice communication backup systems in all major Spanish ATC centers. This initiative aims to fortify contingency communication resources, ensuring uninterrupted operational efficiency even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Benefits to include increased capacity of air traffic controller radio and telephone resources improving the quality of contingency communications and resilience
By increasing the capacity of air traffic controller radio and telephone resources, this initiative promises to elevate the quality and resilience of contingency communications. Enhanced capacity translates to improved responsiveness during critical situations, thereby bolstering the overall safety and efficiency of air traffic management. Such advancements are vital for maintaining the integrity of the airspace and ensuring swift and coordinated responses to any operational disruptions.
Full integration into ENAIRE’S digital communication network
A key aspect of this project involves the seamless integration of the upgraded contingency communication systems into ENAIRE’s digital communication network. This integration not only streamlines operational processes but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in communication technology. By aligning with ENAIRE’s digitalization efforts, Frequentis demonstrates its commitment to delivering solutions that are not only effective in the present but also adaptable to the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
Extensive software maintenance element will prolong the system’s life span
In addition to expansion and integration, the extended collaboration entails comprehensive software maintenance to prolong the lifespan of the communication systems. Regular maintenance and updates are essential for ensuring optimal performance and mitigating potential vulnerabilities. By investing in the long-term sustainability of the systems, ENAIRE and Frequentis affirm their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability in air traffic management.
Spanish air navigation service provider (ANSP) ENAIRE has selected Frequentis to complete an expansion of its contingency communication systems upgrade, known as Last Resort Voice. Frequentis has been successfully collaborating with ENAIRE since 2020 to implement its IP-based voice communication solution across Spain, bringing on average one center live per year.
The latest contract expansion will include operational maintenance to extend the lifecycle of its systems. The systems are being provided to all major ATC centers as a backup system in the event of unavailability of the main voice communications. The project period is six years, with two potential three-year extensions, guaranteeing provision and coverage of operational needs for the next decade. Full integration into ENAIRE’s internet protocol (IP) communication network will facilitate the migration to voice over IP (VoIP), replacing older analogue features.
“Frequentis has been providing ENAIRE with its VCS3020X IP-based voice communication system as a contingency system across nine locations in Spain since 2020,” says Hannu Juurakko, Frequentis Executive Vice President ATM Civil and Chairman of the ATM Executive Team. “Providing comprehensive maintenance services for those systems to keep them up to date and to protect ENAIRE’s investment is the next step in this process to maximise the life cycle of the system.”
« We are facing an ambitious project that will allow us to have a contingency voice communication system for our control centres, with all the capabilities for oral communications between controllers and with pilots. This will allow us to ensure the provision of air traffic control service in a more efficient way and with the use of cutting-edge digital technology, » says Enrique Maurer, CEO ENAIRE.
In conclusion, the extension of the collaboration between ENAIRE and Frequentis signifies a proactive approach towards enhancing the resilience and reliability of air traffic communication systems in Spain. By investing in capacity expansion, integration, and maintenance, both parties demonstrate their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel, not just for today, but for the years to come.
