Virtual Air Traffic Control Tower Systems Initiative

The Virtual Air Traffic Control Tower Systems Initiative is one of the initiatives of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Launched in 2022. It aims to attract and localize the latest modern technological systems and techniques. This initiative contributes to enhancing safety means, improving the level of services provided to travelers, and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of procedures at Saudi airports. Its goal is to accommodate the revival of traffic and air mobility, and to achieve the national aviation strategies, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Virtual towers for remote air traffic control contribute to enhancing safety levels by incorporating a package of international standards in air traffic control systems. They are characterized by advanced technologies that provide air traffic controllers with accurate views even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, they enable controllers to oversee multiple airports from a centralized location. Additionally, their low construction cost compared to the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining current control towers positively impacts environmental sustainability, operational development, and the training of Saudi personnel across various relevant specializations, including engineers, technicians, and air traffic controllers.

Al-Ula International Airport is the first airport in the Kingdom and the Middle East to utilize remotely managed virtual tower systems. This achievement is attributed to the efforts of GACA in activating technology and innovation within Saudi airports. This initiative is part of its strategic plan aimed at fostering innovation and development mechanisms within the sector, as well as supporting initiatives to enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, GACA is investing in the strategic position of the Kingdom to establish the latter as a leader in the Middle East by expanding air connectivity to encompass 250 destinations to and from Saudi airports. The goal is to triple passenger numbers, targeting 330 million passengers by 2030.

GACA is responsible for supervising all types of civil aviation in the Kingdom, setting mandatory laws and regulations to regulate and ensure the safety of air transport and air navigation, issuing licenses and certificates for workers in the civil aviation sector, and developing air transport in accordance with modern international standards.