In a significant step towards enhancing air traffic surveillance, ENAV Group has secured a contract with TELEDIFE, the Telematics and Advanced Technologies Directorate of the Italian Ministry of Defence, for the installation of a new radar at Sigonella Air Base. This collaboration is poised to bolster both military and civil aviation activities in Italy, underscoring the strategic importance of Sigonella’s operational capabilities.
ENAV and TELEDIFE Unite for Radar Installation at Sigonella Air Base
Contract Overview: Enhancing National and Civil Aviation
The contract, endorsed by ENAV Group CEO Pasqualino Monti and TELEDIFE Director Lieutenant General Angelo Gervasio, spans two years and involves the supply, installation, and commissioning of state-of-the-art radar systems. This initiative is not just a technical upgrade but a testament to the synergy between Italian companies and institutions aimed at modernizing national infrastructure.
Strategic Importance: Military and Civil Aviation Integration
Sigonella Air Base plays a crucial role in both military and civilian air traffic management. The Italian Air Force, operating from Sigonella, manages the approach and landing phases for civil flights at the nearby Catania Fontanarossa airport, handling around 70,000 movements annually. The new radar system will enhance these operations, ensuring seamless integration between military and civil aviation activities.
ENAV Group’s Role: Leadership and Expertise
Leading the project is ENAV, in collaboration with its subsidiary Techno Sky, responsible for managing and maintaining air traffic control systems. This partnership also includes Leonardo, a key player in providing advanced technological solutions. The combined expertise of these entities ensures that the new radar system will be cutting-edge, reliable, and fully integrated with existing systems.
Technical Specifications: Cutting-Edge Radar Technology
The contract encompasses the provision of Leonardo’s ATCR-33S Next Generation Family primary radar and the secondary SIR-S/I radar. These advanced systems will be housed in a refurbished radar room, equipped with modernized infrastructure to support the new technology. To minimize operational disruptions, a transportable control room will be utilized during the installation, allowing air traffic controllers at Sigonella to continue their duties without interruption.
Operational Impact: Uninterrupted Services During Transition
One of the critical aspects of this project is the assurance of uninterrupted air traffic control services during the transition. The temporary control room setup ensures that the high standards of air traffic management are maintained throughout the installation process. This careful planning highlights the commitment to operational excellence and safety.
CEO’s Vision: A Modernized Air Traffic Management System
Pasqualino Monti, CEO of ENAV Group, emphasized the broader vision behind this contract. He noted that this project exemplifies the ability of Italian enterprises to collaborate effectively, driving technological advancements in infrastructure and air traffic management. This contract follows recent international engagements with the Dominican Republic and Tunisia, marking a significant step in ENAV’s strategy to expand its footprint in the global market.
A Collaborative Step Towards Technological Advancement
The collaboration between ENAV and TELEDIFE for the installation of the new radar at Sigonella Air Base represents a pivotal moment in the modernization of Italy’s air traffic control systems. This project not only strengthens national defense capabilities but also enhances the efficiency of civil aviation. As Italy continues to innovate and upgrade its infrastructure, such partnerships will be essential in maintaining the highest standards of air traffic management, ensuring safety, and improving operational efficiency.
Through this initiative, ENAV and its partners are setting a benchmark for technological integration and operational excellence, paving the way for future advancements in air traffic surveillance and management.
