NATS and Indra Group announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new joint venture to unite Indra’s digital tower systems with NATS’s operational expertise and the advanced digital and AI solutions of Searidge Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of NATS. The partnership will design and deliver next generation, fully integrated digital airport tower control solutions.
These solutions will enhance operational performance, resilience and efficiency for major airports globally. They will also expand capacity and capabilities, while equipping air traffic controllers with best-in-class tools. Looking ahead, the Joint Venture will also develop additional technology solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers and the industry.
Martin Rolfe, NATS CEO, said: “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for digital tower solutions. By bringing together Indra, NATS and Searidge capabilities, we’re combining world-leading AI and Tower expertise to create solutions that help our customers meet the challenges of a rapidly and continually evolving industry.”
José Vicente de los Mozos, Indra Group CEO, added: “This Joint Venture is the right vehicle to materialise the growth of the control tower business in complex airports, driven by the implementation of digital systems and AI based tools, which will significantly improve the efficiency of airport operations. It also strengthens our partnership with NATS, a reference in the Air Traffic Management industry, which brings the operational expertise needed to develop the right solutions for airport operations”
Dubai ANS, Emirates and Thales sign research agreement
Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), Emirates Airline and Thales have signed a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) on research aimed at reducing holding patterns for all flights arriving at Dubai International, supporting more efficient UAE airspace management. This collaboration for a safer and more efficient UAE airspace management reinforces the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target. Holding patterns provide a safe, orderly system to sequence arriving aircraft during peak traffic and runway congestion. Aircraft fly carefully choreographed racetrack-shaped circuits at designated altitudes to ensure smooth arrivals. While holding patterns are essential for safety and operational flow, minimising their occurrence reduces fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions.
Under this agreement, the three partners will work together to research innovative ways to optimise aviation traffic management. Central to their efforts will be the integration of advanced AI technologies, which will play a pivotal role in identifying potential congestion areas and providing recommendations to stakeholders. By leveraging these AI-driven insights, the collaboration aims to help air traffic controllers and airlines minimise delays, enhance predictability, and boost operational efficiency throughout the entire airspace network.
“This innovative partnership with Dubai Air Navigation Services and Emirates Airline will allow us to strengthen the UAE’s airspace management technologies. Thales will bring its advanced capabilities in digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and air traffic management, to support the UAE’s vision of a more secure, connected, and sustainable aviation sector,” said Abdelhafid Mordi, Vice President of Thales in UAE and Iraq, and CEO of Thales Emarat Technologies.
“This research agreement with Thales and DANS represents a practical application of AI to solve a real operational challenge. By predicting congestion and adjusting cruise speeds proactively, we not only reduce fuel burn associated with holding patterns but are also optimising our operational efficiencies. If successful, this solution can benefit other airlines, turning a shared problem into an opportunity for improvement,” said Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer Emirates Airline.
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