Air traffic controllers in Australia are set to undertake training for a simulation service delivered remotely from New Zealand, as part of a unique trans-Tasman partnership.
Airways International – the commercial arm of Airways New Zealand – has signed a three-year contract with air navigation service provider Airservices Australia for the provision of air traffic control (ATC) simulation services for Australian ATC’s.
The contract between the two organisations enables Airservices Australia to utilise Airways International’s TotalControl “sim in a suitcase” as a mobile training tool – moving it around units across Australia for use by ATCs to undertake critical operational training.
“Our investment in TotalControl’s cloud-based simulation, and the expertise we’ve developed in the provision of remote simulation services for Airways in New Zealand sees us well placed to deliver this model for Airservices Australia,” said Sharon Cooke, Airways International CEO.
As part of the agreement Airways will provide a remote simulation pilot service - with Airways staff acting as pilots in the simulator - creating simulator exercises and building new aerodromes from their base in New Zealand.
Marcus Knauer Airservices Australia head of operational training and resourcing added: “Airservices will trial this technology initially with Airways International developing a TrueView replication of operations at Sydney Tower commencing in September 2024 – we’ll then extend to a further five aerodromes with a focus on compromised separation exercises.”
Around the world there are more than 70 TotalControl simulators in use across the world.
Australian ATC set to train with New Zealand based simulation
