Sydney/Munich 1月 31, 2024

Rohde & Schwarz IP-based Voice Communications System went live for New Zealand air traffic controllers

Rohde & Schwarz has deployed the quad-redundant CERTIUM Voice Communications System (VCS) across Airways New Zealand’s Auckland and Christchurch centres.

Airways and New Zealand are reaping the benefits of a new air traffic control (ATC) IP-based voice communication system following the successful ‘go-live’ on 29th October 2023.

“CERTIUM VCS is enhancing Airways’ flexibility to manage their operations consistently across the country,” Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia, Gareth Evans said.

The system’s IP design and quad-redundant, distributed architecture enables voice communications to operate seamlessly across multiple locations.

“Being based both in the North and the South Islands, the system is highly resilient, with the capacity to transfer airspace control between a control centre and its local contingency centre,” Mr Evans said.

Tranche 2 of the project will see Rohde & Schwarz and Airways extend the new system to towers across the New Zealand ATC network, and Rohde & Schwarz Australia will continue to provide support and maintenance under a 15-year contract.

Airways Chief Information Officer Geoff Peck said the Rohde & Schwarz system will be extended to cover all of New Zealand’s airspace on any radio or console across the country.

“This was a very collaborative relationship, with the Airways technical team working very closely with Rohde & Schwarz developers and engineers to deliver a system tailored to meet our specific needs.”

Rohde & Schwarz Australia’s Head of ATC Programs Daniel Wang noted the achievement of the successful ‘go-live’ was all the more rewarding given the project’s scale, complexity and circumstances.

“A globally distributed engineering team ensured the meticulous design, integration, verification and validation of the system against approximately 1,000 requirements, with 20% needing software adaptations,” Mr Wang said.

“Pulling this together, while working across three time zones and coping with over 20 months of COVID-related travel restrictions is a testament to the success of the innovative approach we implemented and the trusted, collaborative working relationship Rohde & Schwarz and Airways have developed.”

Marius Münstermann, Vice President ATC at Rohde & Schwarz explained: “CERTIUM IP-based VCS is a flexible, cost-effective and innovative solution for all ATC voice communications needs, meeting established requirements for availability, reliability and safety. These attributes, coupled with the growing need for dynamic ATC scenarios with network-based sharing and distribution of operational resources across multiple locations also known as “Virtual Center” make it a very attractive proposition for other air navigation service providers operating in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.”

Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its voice communication solutions both for civil and military use cases at Singapore Airshow (20 – 25 February 2024).

Editor’s note:

Rohde & Schwarz has successfully delivered communications systems to over 200 airports and area control centres all over the world. The Airways IP VCS contract was signed on June 21, 2018 and the overall project includes the delivery, implementation and through-life support for over 200 controller working positions. The project is being managed, delivered and supported by Rohde & Schwarz Australia, the regional Centre of Competence for Air Traffic Control, leveraging the extensive CERTIUM VCS-4G product expertise of Rohde & Schwarz. CERTIUM VCS is the most widely deployed full IP VCS on the market.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated a net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2023, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,800 employees worldwide.

R&S® and CERTIUM® are a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

About Airways

Airways New Zealand provides air navigation services within New Zealand airspace and across our Auckland Oceanic Flight Information Region – one of the largest airspace regions in the world. We are also responsible for maintaining and investing in the aviation infrastructure that supports New Zealand’s air traffic management system. Alongside our core business providing air traffic management services in New Zealand, Airways International delivers air traffic management consultancy, airspace design, and training products and services around the world. Airways employs approximately 800 staff in highly skilled and technical roles. Our people work across two surveillance centres in Christchurch and Auckland, 19 towers and corporate offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.For more, go to www.airways.co.nz.