Australia’s project to bring together military and civilian air traffic management systems has moved another step forward with Thales, Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence formally signing a A$1.2 billion ($940 million) contract.
Under the ‘OneSky’ initiative, Thales will deliver the Civil Military Air Traffic Control System (CMATS), which will replace separate systems used by Airservices and Defence air traffic controllers.
The new system will allow controllers to use advanced technology and real-time traffic prediction tools, while airlines will have more flexibility to fly the most efficient routes, Airservices says.
Despite only recently signing the contract, Thales has already started major delivery work on CMATS.
“In 2017, we commenced installation of the first phase of the new Voice Communication System, which will be commissioned later this year,” says Airservices chief executive Jason Harfield.
The transition to CMATS is expected to start this year, with full operating capability due in 2023.
Thales was selected to build the new system in 2015, at which time it was expected to be in full operation by 2021. Airservices has previously pointed to challenging commercial arrangements and the scope of the project itself for the two year delay.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
