New air traffic control centre reaches milestone
04.03.07
Scotland’s new state-of-the-art air traffic control centre at Prestwick airport reaches an important milestone last week, as the building was 'topped out' (a ceremony held when the building reaches its final hight).
NATS gave the green light for the new centre’s construction in October 2003, following a two-year suspension after the 9/11 US terrorist attacks. Building work began in 2004. The new Prestwick Centre, being constructed alongside National Air Traffic Services (NATS)’ current Scottish and Oceanic Area Control Centre, is expected to go 'live' in January 2010.
The development will accommodate the growing number of flights predicted to use Scottish airspace - covering all of Scotland's airports, not just Prestwick - in the future, according to National Air Traffic Services (NATS), who are behind the project.
Bob Thomson, the Centre’s General Manager, commented: 'The new Prestwick Centre is an essential part of NATS’ future plans. The world-class centres at Prestwick and Swanwick, in Hampshire, will not only provide an efficient and cost-effective air traffic service for the UK, but put us in the forefront of European moves to consolidate and rationalise air traffic systems across the continent.'
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