FAREHAM, England, September 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
A consortium led by Harris Corporation - which includes NATS Inc. the US division of the UK's air traffic services provider, has been awarded the $331 million FAA Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract.
The seven year contract, with 10 additional one-year options, represents a major step in the development and implementation of NextGen.
Delivery of the DCIS contract will allow air traffic service data to be transmitted directly to pilots via an aircraft's on-board avionics systems. This represents a key phase of the transition from the current decades-old analog voice system to a predominantly digital mode of communication.
By enabling data communication, DCIS will support more efficient procedures and flight profiles through services such as revised departure clearances, automation of routine clearances, Traffic Flow Management reroutes, automated transfer of communications, optimized profile descents, and trajectory-based operations.
These advances will contribute towards enhanced air safety, reduced delays, increased fuel savings and improved environmental performance.
"DCIS lays the groundwork for the move from traditional air traffic control to more active air traffic management," said John O'Sullivan, vice president, Mission Critical Networks, Harris Government Communications Systems.
NATS will be supporting Harris Corporation's Government Communications Systems business through the development of new operational procedures and in communicating the goals and benefits of DCIS to airlines and stakeholders.
Paul Reid, NATS Inc. President, said: "This latest contract award helps further consolidate NATS' position in the US market and we look forward to working with Harris Corporation on this vital project for the FAA. I firmly believe that our world class reputation for safety, engineering expertise and designing innovative solutions, has been instrumental to this award."
NATS opened its USA office on Pennsylvania Ave. in October of last year, providing first hand ATM operational expertise to support key FAA bids. This award follows its success earlier in 2012 as a part of the team that won the ETASS contract, providing support services for NextGen's En Route ATC modernization.
NATS is now working in 28 countries around the world, with staff based in the USA, Spain, the Middle East, and Hong Kong.
Note to editors:
About NATS
NATS is the UK's leading provider of Air Traffic Management (ATM) services, handling 2.2 million flights in 2011/12, covering the UK and eastern North Atlantic.
NATS provides air traffic control from centres at Swanwick, Hampshire and Prestwick, Ayrshire.
NATS also provides air traffic control services at 15 of the nation's major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, together with air traffic services at Gibraltar Airport.
SOURCE NATS Inc
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article