23 Norwegian airports to be remotely managed with Indra's state-of-the-art technology

Indra has played a key role in the expansion of the Remote Tower Centre (RTC) in Bodø, Norway, owned and operated by Avinor, the Norwegian air navigation service provider. 

The centre currently manages 11 regional airports, a figure that will rise to 15 by March 2025 with the completion of the first phase of Avinor's remote tower programme, with seven additional airports to follow. The contract also includes the installation of the solution at the new Bodø airport, which is currently under construction.

Avinor's RTC has 16 working positions, so the expansion of the project involves the implementation of multiple remote tower operations, which means that each operator will be able to control up to three airports from a single working position. 

For this, they will use Indra's InNOVA air traffic control system, which provides a single, integrated interface with all the necessary functions for air traffic management and airport control. This includes the display of the air traffic situation, electronic flight strips and weather information, and a supervisor will be responsible for the planning and assignment of the airports to the different working positions, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.

Multiple remote tower operations were developed and validated by Avinor and Indra in 2019 as part of the European Union's PJ05 SESAR Remote Tower project. In addition, Avinor will be one of the first air navigation service providers in the world to operate under this remote modality.

Indra also supplies the GAREX voice communications control system, which Avinor uses to ensure reliable communication with pilots and ground personnel.

The adoption of remote and digital towers, which means that airports are managed from a digital control centre, is rapidly transforming the air traffic management industry. Avinor is at the forefront of implementing this innovative technology and, given the large number of low-traffic airports in Norway, the Remote Tower Centre is generating significant operational benefits, as the solution allows for more flexible opening hours, while reducing the costs associated with physical towers and legacy systems.

Indra offers an adaptable solution for remote and digital towers and is involved in several innovative projects for Budapest and Vancouver airports. Avinor's technology platform for remote tower operations is delivered in collaboration with Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and ACAMS.