Boeing helps Russian airports prepare for traffic influx

Boeing will partner with Basel Aero Company, which operates Sochi International Airport, and Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography in this initiative. Under the guidance of the Boeing Flight Services Air Traffic Management (ATM) group and Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen, the aircraft manufacturer will analyze the Russian airports’ procedures and suggest new ways to maximize their airspace.

Basel Aero Company CEO Sergey Likharev believes the knowledge provided by Boeing will be invaluable to these airports. “Modern technologies of air traffic management and air navigation will allow us to reduce the risk of closing our airports in low-visibility conditions, update our ground operations as well as optimize airspace utilization,” he said in a statement.

The timing is also right, Likharev said. “In order to stay competitive and offer the best services to airlines and their passengers, especially prior to such high-profile events as the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup, we need to work with the best experts and introduce proven and modern solutions,” he stated.

Helping airports prepare for the influx of traffic brought on by large-scale events is nothing new for Boeing. The aircraft manufacturer worked with Chinese authorities to ready Beijing Capital Airport for hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics, which lead to a complete ATM transformation. Boeing also prepped the Republic of South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, company officials said.

It’s why Boeing Flight Services Vice President Sherry Carbary is so confident that her company will be able to provide similar expertise to Russian airports. “Boeing has demonstrated global experience in integrating the technological capabilities of today’s modern airplanes with existing air traffic management systems,” she said in a statement. “Our solutions will optimize the use of airspace and greatly enhance the value to all users of Russian airspace.”