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Airservices has commissioned its new $16.9 million control tower at Adelaide Airport, in what Adeialde Airport has described as “a generational change in air traffic control, moving from a paper-based system to electronic”.
At 44 metres high, the new tower, which is more than twice the height of the former building built in 1983, mirrors the ‘glass cockpit’ concept of modern aircraft and features 32 customisable touch-screens. The display system integrates flight and operational data, surveillance and voice communications into one sophisticated tower-specific design.
Airservices CEO Margaret Staib said the new Adelaide tower is Airservices third air traffic control tower to be equipped with the latest state of the art technology.
“This is a significant change in providing air traffic control services, moving from the traditional paper system to a new fully digital system and will greatly enhance our service delivery in Adelaide,” Staib said.
“It ensures we are in a position to meet the anticipated growth for air services and provide safe, efficient air traffic operations in Adelaide well into the future. We are committed to using the latest technology to safely and efficiently manage passenger aircraft throughout Australia, particularly at our major airports.”
“By investing in new and emerging technologies, we will be establishing the foundation for Australia’s next generation air traffic management environment,” Staib added.
Specialised single pane glazing on the tower cabin ensures stringent optical, thermal and acoustic performance to ensure air traffic controllers can carry out their tasks safely.
Adelaide Airport CEO Mark Young added: “The new tower adds yet another layer of safety and efficiency for passengers travelling to and from Adelaide Airport.
“Airports are essential to the Australian economy and contribute about $17.3 billion to the Gross Domestic Product. This shows why the efficient use of our airspace and airport infrastructure is so vital to ongoing growth.” 
