Updata, part of Capita plc, has been awarded a contract by NATS to provide network connectivity to UK air traffic control services, which handles 2.4 million flights and 250 million passengers every year.
The contract, worth £15m over seven years with a three year option to extend, will provide the critical national infrastructure through WAN connectivity to support NATS’ new IP based voice services being delivered across UK airways. It is due to go live in 2020.
The new IT infrastructure is an integral part of NATS’ commitment towards SESAR (the Single European Sky ATM Research programme), which aims to develop technologies to enhance European airspace performance – increasing capacity, improving safety, reducing delays and airline costs, and reducing environmental impacts.
Tim Bullock, Director, Supply Chain Management, NATS, said: "I am delighted that we have awarded this major contract to Updata. NATS is undertaking a transformational business change, creating a single operational and technology platform, working with partners that can effectively support the business. We are a strong advocate of collaborative working and have selected Updata, who have demonstrated that they work with more focus on customers than traditional providers."
