skeyes first to exchange data via new European data network
Air traffic does not stop at a country’s borders. Each day, dozens of European air traffic controllers work together to ensure the smooth flow of air traffic in the European airspace. A fast, reliable and secure transfer of data plays an important part in that collaboration.
Shortly, that data transfer will be occurring through NewPENS (New Pan-European Network Service), an ultra-robust data and voice network. NewPENS is a partnership between 41 ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers) from 47 countries operating at around 100 different locations. The network allows the exchange of all kinds of air traffic management data among air traffic management centres, but also with airports, airlines and military and meteorological services. In June, the first European ANSPs started connecting to NewPENS.
First for skeyes
However, skeyes was the first past the post: on 1st July the Belgian ANSP was the first to effectively exchange data with the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) via the new network. In the future, this type of data exchange will become available with all partners as they progressively connect to the network. As opposed to before, skeyes is now also able to adapt the network’s options to its own needs independently from EUROCONTROL MUAC.
The connection to NewPENS and the first data exchange without any impact on our business continuity is without any doubt an incredible technological feat accomplished by skeyes’ very own Network, IT & Data Communication (NID) service. After all, connecting to the network also entailed the transition of concrete applications necessary for air traffic management.