The Italian Air Navigation Service Provider ENAV, through its subsidiary Techno Sky, has been awarded the contract for the supply and implementation of an advanced Remote Digital and Virtual Tower (RDVT) system at Senai Airport, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The assignment, granted to Prime Contractor Novatis following an international tender launched by CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia), marks an important step in the spread of digital technologies for air traffic management.
ENAV’s Chief Executive Officer, Pasqualino Monti stated: “For the ENAV Group, this contract represents a strategic step in the development of the non-regulated market and confirms our technological and operational leadership in the field of digital control towers. It highlights our ability to export Italian innovation and know-how to complex international contexts. Malaysia, and the Far East more broadly, represents a key reference market for our business.”
Senai International Airport currently handles around 4 million passengers per year, with an expansion plan aiming to reach 7 million by 2030. The runway extension and enlargement would have required relocation of the traditional control tower, with significant costs and timelines. The choice of a digital tower instead allows replacing the physical structure with an advanced operations room, from which air traffic controllers operate via fixed and pan-tilt cameras and high-definition monitors.
This innovative configuration enhances controllers’ situational awareness, ensuring benefits in both operational and safety terms. The screens provide a continuous 270-degree view, expandable to 360 degrees thanks to camera movement, enabling controllers to maintain focus on technology without needing to physically move around as in traditional towers.
The project kick-off is scheduled by the end of 2025. The contract foresees the development of a remote digital tower based on the “Full Digital Tower” model, developed by the ENAV Group with proprietary technology and a comprehensive suite of professional services.
The contract also includes the supply of a simulator dedicated to specific training sessions. The project will be managed in synergy with ENAV Asia Pacific, the local subsidiary, to ensure direct presence and coordination with Malaysian authorities.
To meet the tender requirements, Techno Sky will rely on the collaboration of Leonardo, Next, and ENAV itself, as strategic subcontractors.
