New air traffic control centre – topping-out ceremony
The new air traffic control centre of HungaroControl was built in five months. Finishing the construction works of the structure was celebrated by the topping-out ceremony on 1 September 2011. In the frameworks of the project unparalleled in the Central-European region, HungaroControl develops its navigation infrastructure by means of the most modern technology. The renewing environment allows the Company to locate its already operating international training, simulation and R+D ventures in one place and by doing this, establish the only air traffic control knowledge centre in the region.
The construction works of the structure of the new, nearly 10 thousand-square metre, three-storey air traffic control centre were finished at the end of August. In accordance with the plans, the next step is to create public utilities, then in February 2012 to install technology. The Hungarian Air Navigation Services will update their total information and communication system. The procurement of the devices needed to do this will be ended soon. Besides, in the following months, the development of MATIAS, the air navigation system created in accordance with HungaroControl’s own needs will be accelerated, which will make possible the most modern communication between air traffic controllers and the board of aircraft. Air traffic controllers will be able to move into the new air traffic control centre at the end of 2012.
In the spirit of Hungarian tradition, a bouquet was hoisted at the highest point of the new building. During the topping-out ceremony, dr. Pál Vörner, under-secretary responsible for infrastructure, emphasized: “Increasing efficiency and competitiveness can only be executed by continuous development. The greatest virtue of ANS III programme is its being far-sighted, innovative and making Hungarian Air Navigation Services capable of preserving its technological advantage recognized internationally and establishing the long-range future of Hungarian air traffic control.”
“Through this programme Hungary is granted the unique possibility, as beyond the fact that we are going to build a top modern air traffic control centre, the new technology will be installed in the presently used building, too. By this we lay the foundation of an international air navigation knowledge centre. Entry Point Central established with one of the most renowned training institutions as well as our regional research-development centre, CRDS will be located here. Our tower simulator providing true to nature images expanded to 360-degree angle of view will be accommodated here as well. We will establish an innovation centre which will be able to satisfy all the training, simulation and R+D demands of the whole region” – introduced the programme Kornél Szepessy, CEO of HungaroControl.
During the topping-out ceremony, Attila Ughy, mayor of District 18 in Budapest, stressed: “HungaroControl is an outstanding employer of the aviation sector and one of the most successful state companies. This investment is not only about the future of a company but serves the interests of all, too.”
For the project which is worth HUF 11 billion and which is dealt by HungaroControl Hungarian Air Navigation Services Pte. Ltd. Co. as a priority task, the European Union in the frame of TENT-T EERP (Trans-European Transport Network European Economic Recovery Plan) has granted the maximal aid of EUR 5,964,000 which covers 20% of the expected costs.
