Manchester Airport partners with NATS and Searidge Technologies for digital transformation

Manchester Airport is to be the UK’s first major international airport to adopt a ‘hybrid’ digital control tower as part of a project announced with the air traffic service, NATS.

Working with NATS and the technology company, Searidge Technologies, Manchester is set to deploy operational grade, ultra-high definition panoramic cameras to help its air traffic controllers manage and optimise the airport ground operation, enhance capacity and improve on time performance.

The controllers will use the live footage from these cameras – augmented in real-time with radar data and overlays – to manage aircraft movements around the airport’s Terminal 2 extensions. 

Searidge’s Digital Apron Management System (DAMS) will be deployed as part of the Ground Movement Control positions in the airport’s control tower, providing the controllers with pin-sharp and optimised views of the airport’s newly extended Terminal 2 stands and taxiways.

The system will cover 28 parking stands and four taxi-lanes from two panoramic arrays of 4K cameras. NATS says the system could also be enhanced to make use of Aimee, Searidge’s state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence engine, including features such as automatic monitoring of the turnaround process for aircraft parked on stands around the airport. 

Gary Renault, Head of Airfield Operations at Manchester Airport, said: “We are excited to be working with NATS and Searidge on this innovative new ‘digital control tower’ approach to managing our airfield. 

“Improving airfield efficiency is a key driver in our £1.3bn transformation programme which will help us unlock Manchester Airport’s full potential and deliver real benefits to people in the North. This system will decrease delays and help us operate more flights – meaning greater choice, value and flexibility for our passengers.”

The digital transformation programme forms part of the airport’s wider expansion plans, which includes the newly expanded Terminal 2. The deployment of camera arrays around the airport ensures the air traffic controllers continue to have unfettered views of anywhere on the airfield, while the use of radar overlays will enhance situational awareness.

Andy Taylor, NATS Chief Solutions Officer for Digital Towers, said: “This really is the next generation of airport operations, where the combination of cameras and Searidge’s digital technology platform enables better decision-making, which can be shared right across the airport community. The work Searidge is doing is pioneering and Manchester’s embrace of this new technology puts them at the very forefront of the industry.”

Steve Hathway, Vice President, Customer Solutions, Searidge Technologies, said: “We are delighted to be working with Manchester Airport to support them on their digital transformation journey. Partnering with NATS presents an exciting opportunity to continue the roll-out of our advanced technology platform; helping drive innovation, improve operational efficiency and future-proof airport operations.”

The first phase of the work will also see NATS and Searidge Technologies deploy a ‘test and development suite’ for any additional tools ahead of future operational roll outs. It will mirror a similar facility at Heathrow, where NATS and Searidge are in the detailed final design phase for a fully digital contingency tower for the West London airport.

The Manchester DAMS system is due to go live in 2026.