Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Benefit from Indra’s Cutting-Edge Air Traffic Technology
Indra has secured a new contract with DSNA, the French air navigation service provider, to upgrade ground surveillance systems at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The enhancements will improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability, making CDG the largest airport in Europe to implement the EU’s CP1 regulation.
Discover how these advancements will shape the future of air traffic management.
A Bold Leap Towards Safer, Smarter Air Travel
Air travel is evolving, and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is taking a major step forward. With the help of Indra, a global leader in air traffic management systems, the airport is embracing advanced technology to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
If you’ve ever navigated the hustle and bustle of a major international airport, you know that smooth operations are essential. Now, France’s busiest airport is about to become Europe’s most advanced, thanks to the implementation of state-of-the-art ground surveillance technology.
A New Chapter for Europe’s Second-Busiest Airport
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) handles over 70 million passengers annually. With four parallel runways and three control towers, it’s one of the few airports in the world capable of handling four aircraft movements—takeoffs or landings—at once. Managing this level of complexity demands precision, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
To meet these demands, DSNA, France’s air navigation service provider, has awarded a landmark contract to Indra. This partnership will upgrade and enhance CDG’s existing ground surveillance system using Indra’s InNOVA platform—technology already trusted by major global hubs such as Heathrow, Zürich, Incheon, and Toronto Pearson.
Meeting European Safety and Sustainability Standards
The project is not only about innovation; it’s about compliance. CDG is now the largest airport required by the EU’s Common Project 1 (CP1) regulation to implement enhanced technological capabilities.
What is CP1? It’s an initiative aimed at modernizing Europe’s air traffic management systems to improve safety, sustainability, and efficiency. A total of 19 airports are mandated to comply, but CDG is leading the charge with the most ambitious implementation to date.
By aligning with CP1 requirements, CDG will offer passengers a more secure and environmentally conscious travel experience. For you, this means fewer delays, improved punctuality, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Enhancing Ground Control Operations with InNOVA
So, what exactly is changing at CDG?
Indra’s Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS)—the backbone of its InNOVA suite—will receive significant upgrades. This system enables air traffic controllers to track and manage all aircraft and vehicle movements on the ground in real-time.
Key Innovations Include:
- Electronic Flight Strips: These digital tools replace paper-based records, integrating flight data directly into the control system. This helps controllers make faster, more accurate decisions.
- Safety Alerts: Indra’s system will feature automatic alerts to prevent conflicts and improve reaction times. Two critical types are:
- Conformance Monitoring Alerts for Controllers (CMAC): Notifies controllers when an aircraft or vehicle strays from its designated clearance.
- Conflicting ATC Clearances (CATC): Warns if multiple vehicles or aircraft are given conflicting instructions that could lead to a collision.
- Optimized Routing: With smarter routing features, the system can reduce taxi times on the ground, leading to lower fuel consumption and less CO₂ emissions—benefitting both the environment and airlines.
Supporting Air Traffic Controllers at Every Step
The stakes at CDG are high. Air traffic controllers must coordinate hundreds of movements daily in one of the most complex airport environments in the world.
Indra’s upgrades are designed not just to meet regulations but to empower controllers with tools that improve situational awareness, reduce cognitive load, and increase operational efficiency.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with DSNA and contribute to the modernization of one of Europe’s largest airports,” said Andrew Fiamingo, Managing Director of Indra in Norway. “This contract underscores our commitment to enhancing air traffic management systems and supporting the aviation industry’s growth through safe operations.”
A Trusted Partner in Aviation Technology
Indra’s track record speaks for itself. The company has decades of experience delivering innovative solutions to the world’s busiest airports.
CDG has used the InNOVA ground surveillance system since 1997, a testament to its long-standing reliability. Now, as aviation faces increasing demands for safety and sustainability, Indra continues to evolve its technology to meet modern challenges.
What This Means for You as a Passenger
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, you may not notice these changes right away—but you will feel their impact.
Improved safety means fewer risks and greater peace of mind. Optimized routing means shorter taxi times and fewer delays. Enhanced digital tools mean smoother operations and fewer human errors.
In short, your journey through Charles de Gaulle Airport will become more seamless, more sustainable, and more secure.
Looking Ahead: CDG Sets a New Benchmark
Conclusion: Leading the Way for European Airports
Charles de Gaulle Airport’s bold move to upgrade its ground surveillance system sets a new standard for Europe. By implementing Indra’s InNOVA technology, the airport is not only complying with EU regulations—it’s charting a path for others to follow.
This transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s about creating a safer, smarter, and greener air travel experience for everyone. And as air travel continues to grow, initiatives like these remind us that innovation and safety can go hand-in-hand.
The next time you pass through CDG, take comfort in knowing that behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is making your journey better in every possible way.
