Air traffic control: new system
Skyguide introduces a new electronic flight plan data and coordination system in the control tower at Zurich Airport during the night of April 7-8.
With the introduction of the new system, there will be capacity reductions on April 8 and 9 for safety reasons, Skyguide writes. This will lead to delays in air traffic to and from Zurich.
The new flight plan data system replaces the existing so-called TACO system, which has been in use for more than 22 years and has reached the end of its service life. The new solution is based on state-of-the-art technology and forms the basis for the future further development of air traffic control systems in the control tower.
The new flight plan data system, called TRACE (ToweR Approach Coordination Equipment), increases the efficiency of air traffic control services and is a key centerpiece of airport operations. The implementation of the new system includes the replacement of all hardware and software previously in use. Various airport processes, such as gate management, aircraft refueling or apron services, are directly or indirectly dependent on the air traffic control flight plan data system.
The new flight plan data system reportedly meets high safety standards and has been reviewed and approved by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which oversaw the development and implementation process.
