The week did not start well for German ANSP Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS). German media reported that the company is under an ongoing cyber attack. The first article was published by Bayerischer Rundfunk, which you can read (in German) here. DFS communicated openly about the attack, which we give them kudos for. They made it clear that while it affected the office IT, it did not impact the ATM systems. There were no traffic restrictions and DFS confirmed that air traffic control is running normally and that safety and capacity are not compromised. DFS is now taking defense measures and is no longer communicating further details, for obvious reasons.
The German domestic intelligence services, Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV) is informed and a part of the investigation. According to information frombr.de- which has not been confirmed by other sources - some Russian hacker groups are suggested to be involved in this attack.
The strategic importance of ANSPs make them attractive targets for hackers. If an attacker was to bring down an ATM system, it would have a significant impact. In this instance, that did not happen, and DFS' operational systems as well as their fallbacks are all working normally. Ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine can exacerbate such attacks, with several organizations already becoming targets. ANSPs have to be ready. EUROCONTROL Computer Emergency Response Team (EATM-CERT) is one example of great awareness and preparedness. The burden of cybersecurity is relatively new to ANSPs, which for years operated outside of the internet. In our era of connectivity, such issues must be taken very seriously.
On a lighter note, our sister aviation news website, Hotel Fox Fox, reported about an interesting case: Air France flight AF1192, which had not less than five go-arounds and two diversions on the same day. Statistical anomaly or deeper causes?
Vincent
ANSP news
Airservices Australia invites community feedback on proposed Bankstown airspace changes- The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s proposal, made in conjunction with Airservices, is to reclassify a portion of airspace that would see general aviation pilots offered a more direct route to the south-east of Bankstown under a new airspace corridor in uncontrolled Class G airspace. This proposed airspace change is aimed at ensuring continued safety by reducing aircraft congestion and providing more equitable access to airspace for these pilots as Sydney air traffic continues to grow.
Airport news
Rotuma Airport Runway Upgrade Completed Before Schedule- Rotuma Airport celebrates the early completion of its runway upgrade project, showcasing efficient and effective management for infrastructure development within the aviation sector.
Qantas and Perth Airport reconcile and invest around A$3bn (US$2bn) in a new terminal and parallel runway- As part of a 12-year agreement with Qantas, Perth Airport in Australia will invest around US$2bn in a new terminal and parallel runway.This will form part of a A$5bn (US$6.4bn) capital investment program by Perth Airport – said to be the largest-ever private infrastructure development in Perth. Perth Airport’s plans will see more than US$6.4bn invested in delivering new terminal facilities, a new parallel runway, two multilevel parking facilities with associated roadworks, and our first airport hotel.
Market news
Vaisala to modernize 14 airports in Indonesia - Vaisala has today signed a contract with the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics, for airport weather systems and equipment to modernize 14 Indonesian airports. The contract’s value is approximately EUR 25 million, making it the largest ever aviation weather project for Vaisala.
Context information
EUROCONTROL and ICAO: strengthening partnership for aviation training- A new agreement was signed in Montreal by EUROCONTROL Director General Raúl Medina and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, building on EUROCONTROL’s role as a Corporate Partner in the ICAO TRAINAIR Plus programme. Globally, the aviation sector is facing a challenge to recruit and retain professionals. The new training course will focus on mentoring, which is one of the most efficient tools for supporting anyone starting an aviation career, especially for those people from under-represented groups. As mentoring helps people to grow in their chosen careers, it will make aviation more attractive both for junior and middle-level professionals.
Modernising Air Traffic Management As One News and Views from SESAR Deployment Manager Edition # 2 - SESAR DM announced, the two ATM-related projects – 'CLEAN ATM 2' and 'GREEN CNS' initiatives – submitted in response to the CEF Transport Call for proposals 2023, were awarded under the CEF Call 2023 decision. These two multi-stakeholder initiatives are set to receive over € 140 million of EU public funding, under Connecting European Facility. For the first time, the SDM-coordinated initiative also foresees the participation of UkSATSE helping to further anchor and integrate Ukraine in the European transport network and infrastructure.
UAV and UTM
ANRA Technologies and Flyby Guys form alliance - Unmanned airspace- Unmanned traffic management systems provider ANRA Technologies has formed a strategic partnership with Finnish drone operator Flyby Guys. The alliance is focused on ensuring the safe and efficient integration of drones into European airspace.
