London City Airport has become the first major international airport in the world to use remote air traffic control.
Following extensive trials, all take-offs and landings from the airport this summer will be directed from over 70 miles away in Hampshire. Air Traffic Controllers at the regional centre in Swanick, near Southampton, will use an enhanced reality view of the Docklands airport provided by a digital control tower.
Alison Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer at London City said that the airport is “immensely proud” to be adopting the pioneering technology which will allow it to handle increased passenger numbers.
However, with local groups consistently opposing increased flights from London City on both noise and environmental grounds, the airport is likely to face objections to any increase in traffic.
