The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has awarded Thales a landmark contract to develop a new NexGen Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) and air traffic control radars, marking a major step towards a more efficient, safer and more sustainable aviation ecosystem. The NexGen ATMS will replace the current LORADS III system with Thales’ TopSky – ATC One solution. The project also covers knowledge transfer including through having CAAS officers join the project office in France and other localisation projects in Singapore.
Global Airspace Radar had the opportunity to join the press briefing for this announcement and highlights some of the key achievements in this news story. Singapore is one of Asia’s busiest airspaces and this award represents one of the most ambitious projects to date to insert artificial intelligence (AI) into ATM. The use of the TopSky – Sequencer enables automation and scheduling of landings that result in increased capacity and reduced delays. From the airline perspective they can see reduced fuel costs and CO2 levels.
ICAO predicts that air traffic growth in the next 25 years will increase threefold in the Asia-Pacific region. The system is planned to be operational by 2030. Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 (T5) will open in the 2030’s and will be capable of supporting 140 million passengers per year and double the current air traffic levels. With this level of passenger and flight growth a new system incorporating AI makes sense. At some point air traffic controllers need additional support from the tools they are using to support this exponential growth. The new system will be able to support 1 million movements per year and simultaneously track 4,000 aircraft. This is a 2x increase in capacity.
As part of the project scope, an integrated project team with CAAS will work jointly during the four implementation timeline. Beginning with the system design, system validation and training/transitioning of the ATCO staff. They are already using the Thales ATC solution, but there will be new capabilities that need to be transitioned. Work has already begun with CAAS to set up the integrated project as we write. During the development timeline there will work with local companies to develop apps that could be integrated into the system in the future. Topics here could include weather, ATFM, and cyber-resilience.
This contract is among the largest ATM contracts ever signed by Thales. We’re looking forward to watching the evolution of this project during the next four years and hope to see a cycle of innovation coming out of this partnership.
A next-generation system to support the growth of regional air traffic
As Singapore prepares to meet rising demand for air travel, the NexGen ATMS will play a pivotal role in introducing a fully integrated, AI-enabled air traffic control environment.
At the heart of the system is TopSky – ATC One, Thales’ next-generation automation solution, which equips air traffic controllers with real-time decision-support tools, streamlined workflows, and a highly intuitive human-machine interface. Powered by TopSky – Sequencer, an AI-based sequencing solution, the system optimises aircraft arrival and departure flows, significantly reducing delays, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions.
The NexGen ATMS incorporates the latest cybersecurity technologies, in compliance with the standards of both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Singapore. The platform’s open architecture ensures future scalability, enabling seamless upgrades and the integration of third-party solutions as aviation technologies continue to evolve.
Enhanced surveillance through advanced radar and non-radar technologies
In addition to upgrading the ATMS, Thales will deploy two next-generation air traffic control radars, providing 24/7 aircraft detection capabilities, even in the most challenging weather conditions. The integration of these radars into the NexGen ATMS architecture will enhance situational awareness, ensuring air traffic controllers have access to the most accurate and reliable data to manage flights.
We are honoured to continue our long-standing partnership with CAAS on such an ambitious programme for Singapore. NexGen ATMS represents a new chapter in Singapore’s air traffic management. Thales’ strong installed base and our joint experience delivering transformative projects with CAAS, such as LORADS III, have enabled us to test, co-innovate, and develop future-ready solutions that will support the safe and efficient management of air traffic for years to come. Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President, International Development.
