Thales Air Traffic Management is talking to five countries in the Asia-Pacific region about automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B) trials. The talks come as interest in the technology in the region accelerates after the Australian award of the first national ADS-B contract to Thales (Flight International, 30 March-5 April).
The Asia-Pacific region is closely watching Australia's ADS-B programme, says Greg Tunny, regional director Asia-Pacific and managing director of Thales ATM Australia. He declines to name the countries with which Thales is talking, but says several are expected to go to the ADS-B trial stage in the next two years. Countries in the region that have expressed interest in ADS-B include China, India and Japan.
Other countries will follow Australia's lead in implementing a national ADS-B programme, with many countries having a need for cost-effective surveillance over large areas, says Tunny.
Thales will supply Australia with 57 ADS-B ground stations for 28 sites throughout the country in a A$14 million ($10.4 million) programme. The deal is the first ADS-B ground station win for Thales, which has been developing the technology for several years. Thales beat rival Sensis to the contract on price, quality and the fact that Thales is a long-time partner of Airservices Australia, having supplied the national ATM system, says Bernie Smith, chief executive of Airservices Australia.
The programme will start in June 2005, with the ground stations supporting ADS-B throughout Australia above flight level 300 (30,000ft/ 9,150m) from December 2005.
EMMA KELLY / PERTH
Source: Flight International
