Avinor Trials Multiple Operations at Remote Tower Centre in Bodø

Why It Matters

The trial proves that remote digital tower technology can scale across sites, offering airlines and regulators a pathway to lower costs while maintaining safety standards.

Key Takeaways

• One AFIS handles two airports simultaneously
• Four airport pairs selected for trial
• Trial includes strict activation/deactivation protocols
• Collaboration with Widerøe and Norwegian CAA
• First global multiple‑operation digital tower implementation

Pulse Analysis

Remote and digital tower solutions have been reshaping air traffic management by centralising control functions in low‑latency data centres. Avinor’s Bodø centre, equipped with upgraded systems and intensive staff training, now tests the ability to supervise two airports from a single console. By pairing geographically close regional airports, the trial minimizes latency while preserving situational awareness, a critical factor for maintaining the high safety margins demanded by regulators.

The operational model promises significant efficiency gains. A single air traffic information service (AFIS) officer can cover two aerodromes, reducing staffing overhead and allowing resources to be reallocated during peak periods. Strict activation and deactivation protocols, co‑developed with Widerøe and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, ensure that any transition between single and multiple‑operation modes does not compromise safety. Early data suggest smoother handovers and consistent service levels, reinforcing confidence in digital tower scalability.

Globally, the success of Avinor’s trial could accelerate adoption of multi‑site remote towers, especially in regions with dispersed low‑traffic airports. Airlines stand to benefit from more predictable slot management and potentially lower landing fees, while regulators gain a proven framework for oversight. As the aviation industry pushes toward digitalisation, the ability to run multiple operations from a single hub may become a benchmark for cost‑effective, resilient air traffic services, prompting other air navigation service providers to explore similar deployments.