Air Navigation Solutions Limited (ANSL) has selected Muir Matheson Aviation Ltd. (MM Aviation) to upgrade the Meteorological Information Management (MET) system at Edinburgh Airport. ANSL is the air traffic management (ATM) provider for Edinburgh Airport and the new MET system is an integral part of the Airport’s ATM infrastructure.
The upgraded MET system, AeroMET, will provide ANSL’s air traffic controllers (ATCOs) at Edinburgh Airport with data in relation to the current weather, visibility, and any hazards. ATCOs will also be able to use the system to input local weather observations into the wider weather information network, enabling operational planning staff to make informed decisions regarding flight planning.
The upgrade will combine three MET systems into one: the Surface Wind Direction System (SWDS), Instrumented Runway Visual Range (IRVR), and Semi Automated Meteorological Observation System (SAMOS), enhancing efficiency, the user experience, and system reliability.
ANSL will manage the upgrade in accordance with the asset replacement programme it developed and delivers for the Airport, which also includes the provision of safety assurance, engineering, and operational input. MM Aviation, global leader in aviation weather technology, will supply the new equipment, as well as installation capabilities necessary to ensure a smooth transition, with the upgraded system expected to be operational in November 2024.
Henry Game, Managing Director of ANSL, said: “This agreement marks another successful example of ANSL’s ability to conduct asset replacement programmes with the management of this important tender and procurement process at Scotland’s busiest airport. MM Aviation’s cutting-edge technology will enhance ATM operations and improve efficiency and safety in flight planning at Edinburgh Airport.”
The agreement follows a robust tender process run by ANSL and is the latest asset replacement project it will be managing at Edinburgh Airport. This follows SITTI’s new Voice Communication and Control System installation, Surveillance Data Processing System upgrade and Electronic Flight Strip replacement to be completed in December 2023, as well as a range of asset replacements at other airports.
ANSL’s Head of Air Traffic Services at Edinburgh Airport, Vicky Bhogal-Hunt, said: “The upgrade of the MET system is our latest commitment to innovation at Edinburgh Airport. ANSL’s robust asset replacement and selection process is pivotal in the continuing strong functionality of the Airport’s ATM operations - both as a necessity in safety regulation and in replacing a previous generation system. We look forward to working with MM Aviation to ensure a seamless system upgrade within our existing operational capacity.”
Gary Stevens, CEO of Muir Matheson Aviation, said: “We are delighted that ANSL has selected Muir Matheson Aviation to play a key role in enhancing day-to-day ATM operations at Edinburgh Airport through the AeroMET system. To say that our technology will be implemented at one of the UK’s busiest airports is a proud milestone for us and we look forward to working with ANSL across the duration of the project.
