- The FAA has activated the first operational digital air traffic control towers
- The towers are at Bartow Executive Airport in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport in Alaska
- The systems use cameras and digital displays for a 360-degree view
- Five further airports are due to receive the technology
- The technology is funded by the Working Families Tax Cut Act
The Federal Aviation Administration has activated the nation’s first operational digital air traffic control towers at Bartow Executive Airport in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport in Alaska. The systems use advanced cameras and digital displays to give controllers a continuous 360-degree view of runways, taxiways and surrounding airspace. The technology provides greater visibility and more data for decisions.
The systems are provided by Frequentis and replace traditional windows with high-definition cameras, sensors and displays offering infrared imagery and aircraft tags while human controllers continue managing traffic. Five further non-towered airports are due to receive the technology: Winter Haven Regional and Venice Municipal in Florida, Montgomery County Airpark in Maryland, Johnston Regional in North Carolina and Durango-La Plata County in Colorado.
The expansion is backed by $50m under the Working Families Tax Cut Act. The FAA will expand the technology as a cost-effective alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar towers.
