Remote Air Traffic Control towers for Penang, Johor airports
KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is set to introduce remote air traffic control (ATC) towers at Penang and Johor airports to enhance safety and operational efficiency. CAAM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud explained that this initiative leverages advanced technology, eliminating the need for air traffic controllers to be physically present at the towers. Instead, operations will be centralised at designated control centres.
In Peninsular Malaysia, the centralised control centre will be situated at the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre near the international airport. Sabah and Sarawak will have their respective centres in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. However, for the time being, both Penang and Johor airports will have their control centres located within the airport compounds.
"This system has already been implemented in Europe, including at London City Airport, where controllers manage operations remotely from nearly 200 miles away. The system has been certified by regulators and proven to be safe."
"The technology is especially well-suited for medium and low-capacity airports, though it isn't practical for high-intensity airports like KLIA. For smaller airports, it enables us to consolidate manpower and enhance efficiency. Adopting remote tower technology is also essential as traditional tower systems become obsolete, with spare parts no longer being produced after 10 to 15 years. This represents the future of air traffic management," he said.
He added that the project at Penang International Airport is part of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad's (MAHB) terminal expansion initiative.
"The current control tower will be demolished to make way for the expansion. About two years ago, we suggested the concept of a remote digital tower to MAHB, emphasizing its technical benefits. They agreed, and we will serve as their technical advisors throughout the process," he said.
Johor airport is also set to implement the remote tower system, with similar support from CAAM.
Norazman also noted that the tender process for the project recently concluded, and the system is anticipated to be operational between 2026 and 2030.
"The implementation timeline is one year, but the tender has not yet been awarded. Both the government and MAHB are currently conducting their tender processes, and we are awaiting the final announcement."
Source : New Straits Times