Sensis Corporation Providing Enhanced Situational Awareness to Ramp Controllers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Airlines Increasing Efficiencies with Real-time Surveillance Data
EAST SYRACUSE, NY - April 2, 2007 – Sensis Corporation announced that the Port Authority of Seattle has purchased additional air traffic control displays to provide surveillance to controllers managing ramp operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). Prior to the installation of the displays in December 2006, controllers managing ramp operations relied on visual observations in good weather conditions, and pilots reporting their positions during low visibility and night operations. Today, controllers in the ramp tower are receiving real-time, highly accurate surveillance data provided by the commissioned ASDE-X system.
“The ability of our ramp controllers to receive real-time surveillance data is invaluable,” said Mike Ehl, Director, Airport Operations, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. “With comprehensive surveillance information, airlines can pushback at the optimal time, reducing fuel burn for cost savings. Additionally, we can better manage to flight schedules to help ensure on-time arrivals and departures, especially in low-visibility operations.”
By leveraging the real-time surveillance data provided by the Sensis ASDE-X system, Sea-Tac controllers receive a combination of data from surface movement radars and transponder multilateration for aircraft position labeled with flight call signs. Additionally, they can view this data on displays that feature an interface developed in consultation with air traffic controllers, ensuring an intuitive, streamlined display of information for ease of viewing.
“Sensis has a variety of solutions available to support airports and airlines in their drive to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and improve schedule integrity,” said Marc Viggiano, President of Sensis Air Traffic Systems. “Surveillance of the gate areas, integrated displays and decision support software are just a few of the ways in which Sensis can provide these benefits.”
As the prime contractor for the FAA’s ASDE-X program, Sensis is installing ASDE-X at 35 airports across the nation.
