Thales to modernise ATM automation in Shanghai

On the opening day of the ATC Global Show in Dubai, Thales announces its continued growth in China with the signing of a contract to implement its latest ATM automation systems for the Shanghai Metroplex air space.

Thales and Beijing Easy Sky Technology (BEST, a Thales – TEDC joint venture) have jointly signed a contract with the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) East Air Traffic Management Bureau (East ATMB) in order to implement a new Air Traffic Management automation system in Shanghai.

Through this contract, ATM world leader Thales, together with BEST, will upgrade the Shanghai airspace and airport management systems. This will include the Shanghai terminal manoeuvring area and surface operations at Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao airports.
The contract includes implementation of Thales TopSky-ATC, the most innovative air traffic automation system in the world. Thales will also deploy TopSky-Tower, its advanced, integrated tower automation suite, at both Shanghai airports. Airport and airspace traffic flows will be sequenced and balanced using MAESTRO, Thales’s fully integrated arrival and departure management system.

This is a crucial contract for the region, as collectively, the Shanghai Metroplex (incorporating both Shanghai airports) ranks just behind Beijing in China and is in the top 10 in the world, in terms of air traffic movements. With air traffic in the region set to grow at a steady 20% over the next 10 years, the modernisation programme will be instrumental in maintaining the projected growth rate while supporting excellence in air safety for the Shanghai Metroplex.