Thales ATM upgrade for Kazakh airports
Kazakhstan’s Astana and Almaty airports have undergone an air traffic control system modernisation. Thales, in collaboration with local partner Aerospace Engineering, has deployed its Advanced Surface Movement Guidance & Control…
Kazakhstan’s Astana and Almaty airports have undergone an air traffic control system modernisation. Thales, in collaboration with local partner Aerospace Engineering, has deployed its Advanced Surface Movement Guidance & Control System (A-SMGCS) in Astana Airport, following a similar implementation at Almaty Airport.
Both systems feature Thales’ MAGS multilateration (MLAT) technology, to accurately locate aircraft by using a method known as Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA). Multilateration employs ground stations, placed in strategic locations around an airport. This technology implementation at Astana Airport (pictured here is the Astana tower) was the second in Kazakhstan – the first being in Almaty and also deployed by Thales.
This surveillance system empowers air traffic controllers with an additional sensor solution for comprehensive ground and air traffic surveillance. Particularly effective in monitoring arrival and departure traffic or overseeing areas where conventional radars face limitations or impracticality, MAGS has been very reliable. These systems have been deployed seamlessly despite stringent local climate constraints in order to never interrupt airport operations.
The Advanced Surface Movement Guidance & Control System deployed in Almaty and Astana airports emphasizes reliability and elevates safety standards, according to Thales: “The incorporation of the ‘Airport Safety Nets’ module within the TopSky-Tower system plays a key role in safeguarding runways and designated areas. The module acts as a vigilant guardian, alerting controllers promptly in cases of potential conflicts between vehicles – be it aircraft or other types of vehicles – on runways and the unauthorized incursion of vehicles into restricted areas.”
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter
