Dubai Airport renews and expands its Serco contract for air traffic services

Under the new agreement, Serco is responsible for a key range of core services to ensure the smooth flow of aircraft in the airspace around the airport and on the ground.

Services being provided include aerodrome and approach radar services to ensure that Dubai Airports Company's target capacity figures are met. In addition, it will enhance its research and development capability with a new 3D 360-degree air traffic control tower simulator which will help develop ATC procedures in line with expected traffic growth. This capability will also provide critical operational support in the development of Maktoum International Airport as it develops over the next ten years to reach its annual capacity forecast of 160m passengers.

Serco is also assisting in airspace procedure design which will it says will enhance its capability in ATC concept of operations and maximising airspace usage using state of the art navigation aids such as GPS. These new services will enable the airport to meet the demands of its increasing capacity.

As part of its commitment to support development there, Serco will also ensure an increasing emphasis on the training of Emiratis into key roles in the Air Traffic Services organisation.

Christopher Hyman, Chief Executive of Serco Group, said: "We have a long track record of providing high quality air traffic services in the Emirates, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Dubai Airports Company in helping it to meet the exciting challenges of increasing traffic through this world-class airport."