Dubai Air Show: Thales lands Abu Dhabi ATC deal

Olivier Badard, president, Thales Middle East declined to reveal the value of the contract, but said: “Work has started and will be delivered in 2010, according to the demands of the client.”

The agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is part of a $6.8 billion overhaul of the airport.

Thales will supply its “gate-to-gate” solution that embraces the en-route, approach and airport phases of traffic movement. Badard said that it would enhance airport safety and speed up traffic-handling.

Integrating EUROCAT and EUROCAT-T air traffic management systems, the solution will allow ADAC controllers to share data on aircraft positions and to operate seamless handovers between territories.

Other systems in the package include the Surface Movement Guidance Control System, Distance Measuring Equipment and multi-alteration systems.

Part of the airport redevelopment includes a visually spectacular 109-metre, 20-storey ATC tower.

Ahmed Al Haddabi, ADAC senior vice president, Airport Operations, said: “ADAC is developing Abu Dhabi International Airport into a dynamic gateway to the world with a commitment to safety and security at the heart of all our developments.

“Our stunning new ATC tower, is an integral part of the development programme, and will be one of the most sophisticated state-of-the-art facilities in the world, thanks to the systems from Thales.”