DFS Aviation Services launches first cloud-based air traffic control system in Memmingen

DFS Aviation Services GmbH (DAS), a subsidiary of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, is introducing the cloud-based system “PHOENIX WebInnovation” for air traffic control at the airport Memmingen.

The innovative air traffic control system, the first of its kind, operates entirely in the public cloud and represents a technological paradigm shift in the air traffic control industry. It utilises state-of-the-art technologies and has already proven its worth as an enhanced information tool at smaller airports. It is a cloud-native product that is hosted on the Kubernetes platform of the company SysEleven, with which DAS has a long-standing partnership. 

In Memmingen, it will be used for the first time for air traffic control at a commercial airport. Featuring a modern radar screen and an electronic flight strip system in the tower, this tool offers flexibility and operational efficiency. It can be operated independently of location and hardware, providing secure access to the public cloud.

Building on the success of previous projects, the system was further developed by DAS with the involvement of air traffic controllers. It includes an electronic flight strip system to replace the paper strips previously used, tailored to the special operational requirements of air traffic controllers at airports.

‘The use of PHOENIX WebInnovation reduces the coordination effort and workload of the controllers, which significantly supports the growth and efficiency targets. In addition, the next step will be to improve data exchange between the airport and air traffic control, which will increase data quality for all parties involved and make flight operations even more reliable,’ says Ralf Schmid, Managing Director at Memmingen Airport.

‘The introduction of our cloud-based air traffic control system at a commercial airport is a significant success for DAS and the air traffic control industry,’ said Andreas Pötzsch, Managing Director at DAS. ‘With the introduction of cloud technology, we are ushering in a new era of efficiency, reliability and digitalisation in air traffic management.’