Avinor starts multiple airport operations trials

– Now we are taking an important next step in the development of digital tower services in Norway. Multiple operations give us increased flexibility, improved contingency capabilities, and a more efficient service—without compromising safety, says Jan Gunnar Pedersen, Executive Vice President of Air Navigation Services at Avinor.

High safety standards 

The trial operations have been prepared through extensive system upgrades, procedures, and training of operational personnel at the RTC. They are being carried out with four selected airport pairs: Rørvik–Namsos, Mehamn–Hasvik, Vardø–Berlevåg, and Røst–Svolvær.  

Clear criteria and procedures have been established for when multiple operations can be activated and deactivated. The trial period will be evaluated continuously in close collaboration with Widerøe and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority. 

– The goal is always to maintain the same high level of safety as in traditional control towers. At the same time, trial operations allow us to verify the interaction between humans, procedures and technology in real-world operations, Pedersen adds. 

A historic milestone for Norwegian aviation 

With the trial operations, Avinor is the first in the world to implement multiple airport operations for digital towers. This represents a significant technological achievement and positions Bodø as an international centre of excellence for digital tower services. The initiative underscores Avinor’s ambition to take a leading role in the development of future air traffic services. 

– For the team in Bodø, this is not just a milestone—it is historic. We are setting a new international standard, with the same strong focus on safety as in traditional towers, he concludes. 

Background 

Since 2019, Avinor has built world-leading expertise in digital towers. Today, the Remote Tower Centre in Bodø operates 14 airports digitally using advanced camera and sensor systems. The technology solution is delivered by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with Indra as subcontractor. Multiple operations are a further development that makes it possible to manage more than one airport simultaneously from a single workstation when traffic levels are low. Following a successful trial period and dialogue with authorities, the solution is planned to be implemented in phases. 

Fact Box

• What: One AFIS officer can manage multiple airports from the same workstation. 
• How: The solution is based on upgraded systems, updated procedures, and targeted operational training.
• Why: Improved resource utilisation, strengthened contingency capabilities, and more efficient service delivery, with a non-negotiable requirement for safety equal to or higher than that of traditional tower operations.
• Next steps: Trial operations are being conducted with four selected airport pairs and are continuously evaluated prior to final approval.