Singapore Changi Airport is to be equipped with the Frequentis VCS 3020X

Thus, Changi Airport, the main airport in Singapore and a major aviation hub in Asia, is to be equipped with a voice communication system and a recording system by Frequentis. Changi Airport handled 36.7 million passengers in 2007. The airport is a highly important and rapidly growing passenger traffic hub. It started operating Airbus 380 and is also one of the busiest cargo aiports in the world. Since its opening in 1981, the airport has made its mark in the aviation industry as a benchmark for service excellence, winning already over 280 awards. With Terminal 3 starting operations on 9 January 2008, Changi Airport now has an annual handling capacity of 70 million passengers. The airport is operated by the CAAS, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, which has now chosen Frequentis, the most experienced voice and data communication manufacturer and leading supplier of integrated solutions, to be the prime contractor for the voice communication system and the recording system. The new air traffic control system of Changi Airport, known as LORADS III (Long Range Radar and Display System) will replace the current system, LORADS II. New Air Traffic Control System LORADS III LORADS III will feature state-of-the-art designs and leverage on cutting edge technologies that will enable air traffic controllers to handle increasing air traffic safely beyond the next decade. LORADS III will also employ advanced surveillance and communication technologies to build in tighter safety nets and streamline air traffic management processes. The most sophisticated communication solution to be supplied by Frequentis will be a future proof, ultra high available mission critical Frequentis VCS 3020X voice switch with more that 100 positions and over 1000 telephone and radio interfaces. The system uses proven technology combined with state of the art IP networking. It is distributed across all sites and interconnected by fibre optics technology. Furthermore, a distributed DIVOS digital voice recording system with more than 1000 duplicated channels and a long term data storage centre will be provided. The VCS 3020X and the DIVOS recorder will serve the new area control centre, the approach, the Changi Airport control tower, the APRON control and the firestations at Changi Airport as well as a simulator system in the training academy. The VCS and the DIVOS will interface the Thales EUROCAT Automation System, all VHF air to ground radios and the various data and telephone circuits. This most prestigious contract was awarded by CAAS after a rigorous qualification and evaluation process. The new voice switch and digital voice recording system will be implemented in two phases - with the first phase to be completed in 2009, and the second phase in 2010. Enhancing safety and efficiency at Changi Airport Mr Hannes Bardach, CEO Frequentis states, The challenge for Frequentis is - and always has been - to meet the continuous demand for technological optimisation in the ATM world. It is our declared goal to enhance our customers operational efficiency and safety by providing integrated, tailor-made solutions. Thus we are more than happy to be the partner of CAAS in this future-oriented project.