Air traffic control systems at Dubai airports to be upgraded with AI

Air traffic control systems at both of Dubai's airports are to be powered by artificial intelligence in an effort to boost efficiency. The contract for the high-tech upgrade, called the Integrated Air Traffic Control Suite, was awarded to Swedish aerospace company Saab last year, with the technology now being delivered and installed at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport — also known as Dubai World Central — as well as at Emirates Flight Academy and the Contingency Operations Centre. The technology aims to make the challenging job of an air traffic controller easier by collating crucial radar and flight data in one place. It is being rolled out to reduce air traffic controllers' workload and increase safety, with the aid of automated devices which support the sequencing of departures. David Shomar, vice president of civil security for Saab's Middle East and North Africa operation, told The National on Tuesday that it would take about a year for the technology to come into use. “Our system, which we're installing now, takes all the information that controllers have from all different places, for example radars and flight data that's coming in, and combines it into one controller working position,” he said, on the opening day of Airport Show 2023, being held at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday. “Instead of having to look at different screens, the controller only has to look at one screen.” Advanced AI is also being used to help prepare for potential incidents and manage traffic flow in terminals, an increasingly important tool for an emirate which welcomes millions of passengers each year. Saab is also showcasing other air traffic solutions at the event, including its Total Airport Management technology.<br/>