Paris CDG to Install New Ground Surveillance Ahead of Olympics

DSNA, the French air navigation service provider, has opted for Indra’s InNOVA ground surveillance system at Charles de Gaulle airport.

The proposed system will minimize flight delays and ensure greater situational awareness for air traffic controllers.

The first step of the project will contribute to reliable air traffic operations during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

With four parallel runways and four different towers, Paris Charles de Gaulle is one of the largest and most complex airports in the world.

Air Traffic Surge During 2024 Olympic Games

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), one of the world’s busiest airports, is undergoing a significant modernization with the implementation of Indra’s innovative InNOVA ground surveillance system.

As the 2024 Olympic Games approaches, Paris readies for a surge in air traffic. France’s air navigation service provider, Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne (DSNA), has moved to implement the system.

Improved ground control will ensure smooth operations and minimize delays, especially during this critical period.

Paris CDG: A Complex Airport

Charles de Gaulle Airport is a true giant in the aviation world. With four parallel runways and four control towers it processed a staggering 67 million passengers in 2023.

The sheer scale of the airport layout results in an operational complexity that demands the highest precision.

Air traffic controllers at Paris CDG face the constant challenge of maintaining a clear and complete picture of ground movement, ensuring the safety and efficiency of takeoffs, landings, and taxiing aircraft.

InNOVA Implementation at Paris CDG

DSNA’s choice to implement the InNOVA system reflects its proven success in managing complex air traffic scenarios at major airports worldwide.

InNOVA is a sophisticated network that gathers comprehensive data on all aircraft and vehicle movements within the airport environment.

This data originates from various sources, including ground Surveillance Movement Radars (SMRs), Multilateration (MLAT), and additional sensors strategically positioned throughout the airport.

Data Collection & Intelligent Refinement

The power of InNOVA lies not just in its data collection capabilities but also in its intelligent analysis. Indra’s cutting-edge tracking technology takes the raw data from various sources and refines it, eliminating “noise” from irrelevant targets.

This translates to a clear and concise picture presented to air traffic controllers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: the safe and efficient orchestration of ground traffic.

Benefits Beyond the Olympics

The implementation of InNOVA offers significant advantages for CDG beyond the 2024 Olympic Games. Here’s a closer look at some key benefits:

• Reduced Delays: With enhanced situational awareness, controllers can make quicker and more informed decisions, leading to smoother traffic flow and minimized delays for both incoming and departing flights.
• Improved Safety: The system’s ability to filter out irrelevant data ensures that controllers are not distracted by false targets. This heightened focus directly translates to improved safety for passengers and crew.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: Timely and accurate data allows for more efficient use of airport resources, such as taxiways and runways. This translates to a smoother overall operation for airlines, ground crews, and ultimately, passengers.

Conclusion

The selection of InNOVA reinforces DSNA’s longstanding relationship with Indra, which began in 1997 with the previous ground surveillance system.

The successful completion of the first phase of the modernization project in March 2024 highlights the smooth collaboration between the two entities.

Most importantly, the chosen technology is future-proof, readily adaptable to integrate upcoming advanced safety functionalities outlined by the EU’s Common Project 1.

This ensures that Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport remains at the forefront of aviation technology, well into the future.

Did you know AviationSource has two newsletters? One covers the general news and analysis of the industry as a whole, and the other to do with emergencies that take place throughout the year! To subscribe to our General News Newsletter, CLICK HERE!
To subscribe to our Emergencies, Accidents & Incidents Newsletter, CLICK HERE!

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!