A new multi-million pound digital air traffic control tower is to be developed at London City Airport.

The project will be delivered by NATS and is the first digital air traffic control tower to be built and operated in the UK.

The new 50-metre tower will be built in the airport’s long-stay car park adjacent to King George V Dock. It will feature 14 High Definition cameras at its top along with two pan-tilt-zoom cameras. The cameras will provide a full 360 degree view of the airfield in a level of detail greater than the human eye and with new viewing tools that will modernise and improve air traffic management.


Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with completion set for 2018. Following over a year of testing and training, the new tower will become fully operational in 2019.

Declan Collier, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at London City Airport, said: "A pioneering new digital air traffic control system will enhance safety and improve resilience, setting a new standard for the global aviation industry to follow.

"With London City Airport’s plans to grow and an existing tower which is reaching the end of its operational lifespan, this cutting edge proven technology future-proofs London City Airport’s air traffic control for the next 30 years and beyond."

Mike Stoller, Director, Airports at NATS, said: "Digital towers are going to transform the way air traffic services are provided at airports by providing real safety, operational and efficiency benefits, and we are delighted that London City Airport has chosen to work with us to deliver what will be the first of its kind in the UK."

(LM/MH)