The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) has selected Thales to modernise the air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure at both Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA).
With air traffic within the Cayman Islands expected to grow by 25% by 2035; the project will aim to deliver new air traffic control and surveillance systems to enhance flight safety, efficiency and coordination with Cayman’s airspace.
Modernisation will include the introduction of a new Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) tracking system, as well as upgraded communication systems enabling controllers to receive real-time aircraft visibility and offer more efficient flight-path management.
Thales will deploy its TopSky- ATC, TopSky – AIM, and TopSky – AMHS solutions, alongside new Voice Communication and billing systems to upgrade the Cayman Islands’ air navigation capabilities, providing air traffic controllers with real-time situational awareness via the use of connected sensors.
The project is expected to improve cross-border coordination, reduce safety risks and enable smoother traffic flows across the Caribbean, whilst the ADS-B tracking systems will provide real-time, high-accuracy aircraft position data for ATM and ATC applications, improve coordination between air traffic controllers, enhance safety and reduce emissions by optimising flight routes.
Thales’ ATM Latin America Projects and Services Centre in Mexico will oversee the system’s design, installation and operational rollout, working closely with the CIAA and local air traffic management teams.
Albert Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, said:This is a major step forward for aviation in the Cayman Islands. The modernization of our air traffic control infrastructure is part of our long-term vision to strengthen safety, improve efficiency, and keep pace with global aviation standards as passenger volumes continue to grow.
Thales is recognised globally as the leading provider of air-traffic-management technology, with a proven record of innovation and safety.
