Indra promotes flight efficiency in Latin America with the digitalisation of Peru’s radar network

Indra, one of the leading global technology and consulting companies and the company that has modernised the air traffic network throughout Latin America, has taken a new step forward to place the region at the forefront of air traffic management by digitalising Peru’s air surveillance network, key to ensuring the seamless management of flights throughout the continent.

In recent years, the company has modernised the air traffic systems of 25 Latin American countries. Two out of every three control centers on the continent, including the one in Lima, Peru’s main control center, now manage traffic using Indra systems, which enhances interoperability and enables much smoother traffic. “Indra’s technologies are helping top navigation service providers manage more flights, in a much safer and more environmentally friendly way,” the company spokesperson explains.

The company has now equipped Peru’s eight air safety stations with the most advanced digital features, which increase the accuracy and quality of the data collected and expand their coverage. According to sources at Indra, “Increasing safety allows us to optimise routes, manage more flights and save costs. Unnecessary emissions are also reduced.”

The radars operate in tandem with new ADS-B systems, antennas that collect automated position information from aircraft. “Again, accuracy is gained by combining data collected by radar with data collected by other means,” they explain.

Improved service helps bolster air transportation, tourism and Peru’s economy. It makes it possible to attract more airlines and allows them to establish new routes, while at the same time contributing to the improvement of air traffic throughout the continent. “The improvements in the air traffic network infrastructure create a ripple effect that is felt throughout the region and even in international operations with other continents,” sources at Indra say.

The digitalisation of the radars also makes it possible for the maintenance of the surveillance station network to be carried out entirely remotely, as the network’s operations can be constantly and centrally monitored. This saves operating costs and enhances safety.

Precisely in order to prioritise the latter, last year Indra delivered a state-of-the-art transportable radar (MSSR-S) to Peru that can be deployed in a few hours to support air surveillance wherever needed. This system, with a range of 550 kilometers (approximately 300 nautical miles) made it possible, for example, to upgrade the Lima airport radar without affecting air operations.

With the modernisation of this critical element of infrastructure, Peru incorporates the latest standards recommended globally by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and becomes one of the first countries to fulfill regional commitments agreed upon with the organisation.