NATS has contracted strategic partner Indra to deliver the next generation of iTEC (interoperability Through European Collaboration), the technology necessary for modernising air traffic management systems. This critical contract forms an integral part of NATS’ investment plan over the next 10 years and will enable the transformation of the company’s air traffic control operations in support of a Single European Sky.
The contract has been designed to encourage and enable close collaboration between NATS and Indra. It will also require working collaboratively with other key NATS suppliers for the development and integration of the next version of the Flight Data Processor (FDP) and Controller Working Position (CWP) systems, established within the iTEC Collaboration. It also specifies Indra’s support for getting iTEC into full operational service at Prestwick and Swanwick control centres. This builds upon the previous successful delivery and transition of the iTEC system into NATS’ Prestwick Centre Upper Airspace last year, which Indra was awarded NATS Supplier of the Year for.
Rob Watkins, Technical Services Director, NATS said, “iTEC provides the most advanced technology for air traffic control operations and is core to our transformation programme as we modernise our capabilities. Once in place, the new systems will reduce controller workload, increase individual flight efficiency and support greater overall traffic capacity in UK airspace. iTEC is key to the future success of managing some of the busiest airspaces in the world and we’re delighted to be working with Indra in delivering the next generation of iTEC into our operation.”
Tim Bullock, Director, Supply Chain, NATS, said, “I am delighted that we have awarded this major contract to Indra. This signifies another key milestone within our strategic relationship and the continuation of NATS and Indra’s long track record of collaboratively working together in the development and delivery of critical systems to support the delivery of our services to our customers.”
This is the first contract NATS has awarded to Indra within a new 10-year Framework Agreement, which was established in May 2017. This agreement shapes and governs NATS’ commercial relationship with Indra until 2027 and during this time will support the delivery of some of NATS future critical systems.
Rafael Gallego, Indra Director General, ATM European Programmes, said,
“We are extremely pleased to sign this contract and deliver the iTEC system that will support NATS and their future management of UK airspace. This is the culmination of a journey that we started over fifteen years ago in close collaboration with the partners of the iTEC Alliance. With this project, we reiterate our full commitment to the strategic objectives of NATS and of the Single European Sky.”
iTEC
iTEC (interoperability Through European Collaboration) is the next-generation air traffic management systems technology that brings together the air navigation service providers of Spain, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Lithuania alongside systems provider Indra. This technology will strengthen safety, increase efficiency, and improve environmental impact of flights. It will enhance interoperability between control centres in Europe and will also make it possible for aircraft to optimise their routes.
For more information contact the NATS Press Office on 01489 615945, email press.office@nats.co.uk or tweet @NATS.
About NATS
NATS is a leading air traffic management and solutions company, established in the UK in 1962 and now operating in countries around the world.
NATS handled 2.4 million flights in 2016, covering the UK and eastern North Atlantic from its centres at Swanwick, Hampshire and Prestwick, Ayrshire. NATS also provides air traffic services at 14 UK airports; at Gibraltar Airport and, in a joint venture with Ferrovial, at a number of airport towers in Spain.
Building on its reputation for operational excellence and innovation, NATS offers aerodrome, data, engineering, capacity, efficiency and environmental performance solutions to customers worldwide, including airports, airlines air traffic service providers and Governments.
About Indra
Indra is one of the main global consulting and technology companies and the technology partner for core business operations of its clients businesses throughout the world. It offers a comprehensive range of proprietary solutions and cutting edge services with a high added value in technology, which adds to a unique culture that is reliable, flexible and adaptable to its client’s needs. Indra is a world leader in the development of comprehensive technological solutions in fields such as Defence & Security, Transport & Traffic, Energy & Industry, Telecommunications & Media, Financial Services and Public Administrations & Healthcare. Through its Minsait unit, it provides a response to the challenges of digital transformation. In 2016 it reported revenues of €2,709m, had a workforce of 34,000 professionals, a local presence in 46 countries, and sales operations in more than 140 countries.
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