Romania’s aviation industry has quietly reached a major milestone with the launch of its first fully digital and remote tower at Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport. This achievement, however, has largely flown under the radar, garnering little attention outside specialised circles. Nevertheless, it is a project of substantial significance—not just for Romania, but for the wider air traffic management (ATM) community.
For a country often overshadowed by its Western European neighbours, the implementation of a digital tower marks a significant leap forward in modernising its aviation infrastructure. And for those in the know, it’s a development that might set a new precedent for the rest of the region.
New airport, new chapter
The opening of Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport marks Romania’s first newly constructed airport in over two decades, but it is the cutting-edge digital tower that steals the spotlight.
Unlike traditional air traffic control towers, which require a physical structure at the airport itself, the Brașov tower is managed remotely from a centre situated nearly 450 km away in Arad.
This setup, powered by Saab’s r-TWR technology, offers a flexible, cost-efficient alternative to the conventional control tower model. This unique approach blends advanced technology with Romania’s ambitious vision for its aviation future
How digital and remote tower systems work
Remote towers are more than a high-tech novelty. They’re a potentially industry-changing solution that uses a network of high-definition cameras, radar, and various sensors to create a real-time view of the airport environment.
These feeds are sent to the Arad centre, where controllers have access to an array of panoramic screens that display the entire airfield in stunning detail. Equipped with augmented reality tools and the ability to zoom in and out on specific areas, controllers can make better, faster decisions than they can from a traditional tower.
But this digital system doesn’t just replicate what a physical tower can do. With infrared capabilities for low-visibility conditions, automated alerts, and data overlays that highlight potential hazard, the remote tower setup offers a superior level of situational awareness for air traffic controllers. This enhancement means air traffic controllers can handle complex situations with more information at their fingertips, ultimately increasing safety and efficiency
The advantages of a digital tower system
So, what makes digital towers so appealing? It’s their unparalleled ability to adapt to changing demands. Unlike their traditional counterparts, which are tied to a fixed location and require significant resources to build and maintain, digital towers can be scaled and adjusted based on the needs of the airport.
For smaller airports or new ventures like Brașov, this setup represents a chance to modernise without the hefty price tag associated with constructing a conventional tower. It’s a solution that is as cost-effective as it is flexible.
Additionally, the digital model allows for multi-airport management. In the future, ROMATSA could potentially oversee traffic at several airports from a single, centralised location. Similarly, controllers with valid ratings for multiple airports could control multiple airports from a centralised location, helping to optimise resource engagement. This setup isn’t just hypothetical—it’s already happening in countries like Sweden, Germany, Norway, and the UK, where remote towers are becoming an increasingly common sight. Now, Romania has joined this pioneering group, bringing digital technology to the forefront of its ATM strategy.
A lesson for other countries considering the shift
Implementing a digital tower system is no small feat. It requires an overhaul of existing infrastructure, retraining of personnel, and a rigorous testing phase to ensure compliance with safety standards.
For Romania, the project required intense collaboration between ROMATSA, Saab, and local contractors. But the effort has paid off, creating an effective system that meets the high expectations of modern air traffic management.
Romania’s experience offers a valuable lesson for other countries considering a similar endeavour. The phased approach taken at Brașov, with extensive testing and a focus on safety, serves as a strong example of how to manage the transition without compromising operational integrity. It’s a strategy that will likely be studied and emulated by ANSPs across Europe and beyond.
Staying ahead of the game
At FoxATM, we see Romania’s digital tower project as more than just a local achievement. It’s a signal that the remote tower model is rapidly gaining traction in Europe and beyond. Through our Market Radar service, we’ve been closely monitoring this trend, tracking similar projects in the UK, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Our aim is to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive view of how these innovations are being implemented and what they mean for the future of ATM.
Understanding these shifts is important for industry players. Digital towers are no longer considered experimental — they’re a viable, scalable solution that offers improved safety, lower costs, and operational flexibility.
That’s why FoxATM’s consulting and intelligence services are designed to keep our clients ahead of the curve, giving them the insights and strategic guidance they need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date or get in touch with Vincent for a quick chat.
Picture credit: Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport. (2024, October 16). In Wikipedia.
