Indra and Skyguide reinforce safety and efficiency at Geneva and Zurich airports, two of the most complex airports in Europe
Indra is one of the main technology partners of the Swiss air navigation service provider Skyguide, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic and airport operations.
ARSI solution
The companies have recently completed the implementation of the Advanced Runway Safety Improvement (ARSI) solution at Geneva Airport following great results in Zurich, where this solution has boosted safety since its deployment in 2019.
The ARSI solution improves runway safety by automatically detecting if air traffic control gives contradictory clearances or if a pilot does not follow instructions. In case of contradictory clearances or non-conformities, the air traffic controller automatically receives an electronic warning, allowing more time to react and prevent possible critical situations. In 2019, Indra and Skyguide were awarded the Jane's ATC Award after implementing the solution at Zurich Airport, which is characterised by its cross runways.
Geneva is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world, with 18 million passengers in 2019. State-of-the-art air traffic control systems are a prerequisite for maximising operational efficiency and airport capacity. Skyguide uses Indra's InNOVA ground surveillance system, and recent enhancements will improve air traffic controllers' situational awareness. The implementation in Geneva demonstrates that advanced safety alerts (A-SMGCS stage 3+) are also beneficial for single-runway airports.
At Zurich airport, airport safety and efficiency have been further improved by modernising the airfield's ground lighting system (AGL). Indra has contributed to the project by integrating the management of the AGL system into Skyguide's existing ground surveillance system. The ground surveillance system, provided by Indra, is the main system used to support air traffic controllers' decision making. Having a single user interface for multiple functionalities increases their situational awareness and efficiency.
"Our partnership with Indra exemplifies our commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to air navigation services. This collaboration not only underlines our dedication to providing safe and efficient air navigation services, but also highlights our role as an innovation leader in the industry," says Klaus Meier, CTO of Skyguide.
Andrew Fiamingo, CEO of Indra's subsidiary in Norway, comments: "Our collaboration with Skyguide has enabled us to bring to market cutting-edge developments that help air navigation service providers around the world to maintain regular traffic at times when they need it most at their airports, in adverse weather conditions or when demand peaks".
Indra and Skyguide have worked closely together on several pioneering projects in ground-based navigation and surveillance systems over the years. Their combined experience has led to innovations such as the ultra-wide tracker, which improves runway capacity and is now in use at several airports around the world.