FREQUENTIS enhances airspace safety in Spain with nationwide contingency voice communication system

ENAIRE, the air navigation service provider (ANSP) of Spain, is upgrading 14 contingency voice communication systems across nine different locations in Barcelona, Madrid Area Control Centre and ENAIRE Test Centre, Seville, Palma de Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Málaga, Valencia and Zaragoza.

The project, contracted in 2020, is the first large-scale voice communication project for the country, and was driven by a need for the renewal of the country’s backup systems. Frequentis has now implemented the contingency systems at both the main operations room and the contingency room in Seville, with the systems in Palma de Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Málaga and Madrid following throughout 2022 and 2023.

Having previously worked with ENAIRE to provide a complete network solution for over 120 sites and the modernisation of its air navigation data network (REDAN), Frequentis will be the prime contractor for turnkey delivery of the latest modernisation program, with support from local contractors.

On completion of the project, there will be an increase in radio and telephone resources available to air traffic controllers, improved quality of communications, and greater versatility in establishing procedures in the event of an emergency. The systems will be fully integrated into ENAIRE’s IP communications network, easing a switchover to the VoIP (voice over IP) environment and the airspace division will be incorporated into the automated air traffic control system. The contingency systems will also offer new functionalities in communication management and the information provided to the user on their status.

“Having worked in the voice communication systems market (VCS) for over 75 years, Frequentis is proud to have the technology and know-how to deliver this large-scale project for ENAIRE. We are thrilled to be working together once more, helping to establish safe and resilient contingency VCS across the country, allowing ENAIRE to reach its goal of being a frontrunner in safe and efficient provision of air traffic services,” says Hannu Juurakko, Frequentis Vice President ATM Civil and Chairman of the ATM Executive Team.