Air traffic optimisation leader, Orthogon, joins FREQUENTIS Group in first step of L3Harris acquisition

Frequentis portfolio benefits from Orthogon software, capable of reducing air traffic controller workload and carbon emissions

The former L3Harris Orthogon, based in Bremen, Germany, will now operate as Frequentis Orthogon. The company’s software benefits todays crowded air traffic environment through the flexible use of resources to reduce controller workload and manage air traffic queues safely and efficiently.

"We are pleased that we able to complete the takeover of Orthogon faster than expected. The solutions from Orthogon expand our range of services in relation to integrated total solutions in the area of air traffic management", says Frequentis CEO Norbert Haslacher. "Together we can now offer our customers an even more comprehensive product portfolio with higher performance and a greater proportion of digitalisation."

The company, founded in 1987, has led advancements in air traffic queue optimisation, demand capacity management, traffic flow management, and visualisation solutions for the air traffic management (ATM) and airport industries for over 30 years. Notable are the impacts solutions have on reducing air traffic carbon emissions. Together, the products will be further marketed within the Frequentis Group and included in the range of remote digital towers and air traffic control centers.

Orthogon currently employs around 80 people and achieved annual sales of around EUR 10 million in 2020. The management remains in the hands of Frank Koehne, who has been managing the company since 2009. The purchase agreement was signed on 23 February 2021, the closing took place on 3 April 2021.

"We are very pleased to become part of the Frequentis Group and to contribute our many years of expertise in air traffic optimisation. The stability of Frequentis Orthogon is an important signal to our international customers and the continuation of business relationships," says Orthogon Managing Director Frank Koehne.

Together both look to the future with optimism, to grow the business in the air traffic control and airport domain. The takeover is a particular success for Frequentis, as Frequentis has strived for shareholdings in the market-leading company for over 15 years.

The takeover of two further units from L3Harris (Harris ATC Solutions business unit from Harris Canada Systems Inc., and Harris C4i, Australia) is expected to complete in the coming months, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.