The project is part of a contract awarded by NATO to modernize the training of military controllers of the Spanish Air and Space Force.
Skyway, the leading air traffic service provider in the Spanish market, has commissioned a new air traffic control (ATC) simulation system (SIMTRA) for the Military School of Air Traffic Control, located at the Matacán Air Base (Salamanca). The company has also participated in the coordination of the project and in the validation of the training exercises, contributing its extensive operational experience in air traffic management.
The project was awarded in 2024 by the NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency) and is part of initiatives aimed at ensuring that military air traffic controllers are trained in accordance with the standards set by the Single European Sky and the regulations applicable to ATC in Europe.
Currently, the center is training 57 students, including personnel from the Army and Navy, as well as members of the Air and Space Force, who carry out their training in various state-of-the-art simulation environments designed to reproduce real ATC operations.
Advanced simulation to reproduce real operations
The new facilities simulate different ATC operating environments, allowing students to train in realistic situations very similar to those they will encounter in their work.
The system features four tower simulators with integrated approach capabilities, each with supervisor and controller positions. These simulators, designed by UFA, Inc., a global leader in aviation safety solutions, allow future controllers to be trained in the three areas of air traffic control: tower, approach and enroute.
The center also includes a room that replicates the operation of an air traffic control center with 14 operational positions – seven for executive controllers and seven for planners – along with an additional position of supervisor or head of room. The training is complemented by 22 pseudo-pilot positions, from which the students themselves simulate communications with the aircraft during the exercises.
The facility includes a briefing and debriefingroom where trainees and instructors analyze exercises and evaluate training operations.
“The result of the project is a facility that strengthens the training capacity of the Military School of Air Traffic Control and helps to ensure that military controllers have the necessary preparation to operate in increasingly demanding environments. The fact that Skyway has been the supplier chosen for the project demonstrates the recognition of the company’s experience and technological capabilities in the development of advanced solutions for the training and operation of air traffic control,” said Alejandro Sastre, director of Maintenance and Technical Operation (CNS) of Skyway.
The project has been developed by Skyway in collaboration with leading technology partner UFA, which developed the simulation technology used in the system.
“We were very impressed by Skyway’s vision for air traffic control training,” said David Wolff, CEO of UFA, Inc. “It’s an honor to support Skyway’s important work and to elevate air traffic control training.”
The project took place between mid-to-late 2025. It was completed in record time for an initiative of its scope, allowing the first students to begin their training at the end of 2025.
The Military School of Air Traffic Control centralizes the training of military controllers in Spain at the Matacán Air Base, so students from different units across the country will complete their training there.
