Remote Aviation Services in Focus at Arctic Circle
Avians recently took part in the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, where the focus was on how remote tower technology can support safe, reliable and efficient aviation services in remote areas and across the Arctic.
Sigrún Jakobsdóttir and Sævar Birgisson presented during the session, while Ingi Sturla Þórisson served as moderator and led the discussion. The session highlighted two projects in Iceland as practical examples of how remote technologies can be applied to different types of aviation services.
Sigrún began with an overview of Iceland’s regional airport network and the particular challenges involved in operating a geographically dispersed system of small airports. These airports provide essential connectivity for communities, businesses, tourism and emergency services, while many have relatively low traffic volumes and operate in demanding weather and geographical conditions.
In this context, she introduced the Remote AFIS project currently under development for Húsavík Airport. Under the proposed model, aerodrome flight information services will be provided remotely from Egilsstaðir Airport, supported by camera systems, communications, meteorological information and remote monitoring and control of airport systems. The project demonstrates how existing infrastructure and expertise can be used in new ways to support the operation of smaller airports.
Sævar then introduced the ongoing Remote Tower project for Reykjavík Airport and the technology currently being implemented. Remote Tower technology enables air traffic services to be provided from a location separate from the airport itself, using panoramic and PTZ camera systems, audio systems, communications networks and dedicated controller working positions.
The technology also offers capabilities designed to enhance situational awareness for air traffic controllers, including camera zoom, target tracking, image enhancement and the integration of surveillance information and other data.
Opportunities for Aviation Services in the Arctic
Iceland shares many of the challenges faced by other Arctic regions, including long distances, dispersed communities, demanding weather conditions and relatively low traffic volumes at smaller airports.
The projects at Húsavík and Reykjavík Airport therefore provide valuable opportunities to explore how remote technologies can be used more widely to maintain vital air connectivity and support the sustainable operation of airports in remote regions.
The session at Arctic Circle was not only about the technology itself, but also about how new approaches to aviation services can help keep communities connected and contribute to the future of aviation across the Arctic.