Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) has awarded Thales a contract to develop a next-generation Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) and deploy new air traffic control radars, supporting the country’s plans to manage growing regional air traffic more efficiently and sustainably.
Under the programme, Thales will replace CAAS’ existing LORADS III system with its TopSky – ATC One next-generation air traffic management solution. The contract also includes knowledge transfer initiatives, including opportunities for CAAS officers to join the project office in France, alongside localisation projects in Singapore.
The new NexGen ATMS is designed to create an integrated, AI-enabled air traffic control environment. At its core, TopSky – ATC One will provide air traffic controllers with real-time decision-support capabilities, streamlined workflows and an intuitive human-machine interface.
A key component of the system is TopSky – Sequencer, an AI-based sequencing solution designed to optimise aircraft arrival and departure flows. By improving the sequencing of aircraft movements, the technology is expected to help reduce delays, fuel consumption and carbon emissions while supporting more efficient airspace management.
Cybersecurity will also be integrated into the NexGen ATMS, with the platform incorporating technologies designed to comply with standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Singapore. Its open architecture is intended to enable future upgrades and the integration of third-party technologies as aviation systems evolve.
The programme will also strengthen aircraft surveillance capabilities through the deployment of two next-generation air traffic control radars. The radars will provide continuous aircraft detection, including under challenging weather conditions, and will be integrated with the NexGen ATMS to give controllers enhanced situational awareness and more accurate flight data.
Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President, International Development, Thales, said the company’s long-standing partnership with CAAS and experience delivering the LORADS III system had enabled the organisations to test, co-innovate and develop solutions designed for Singapore’s future air traffic management requirements.
The NexGen ATMS is expected to support Singapore as demand for air travel increases, while combining AI-based decision support, advanced surveillance, cybersecurity and an open system architecture to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of air traffic operations.
