Chile’s President inaugurates new Thales ATC centre in Santiago

In the presence of Michelle Bachelet, the President of the Republic of Chile, the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil – DGAC) inaugurated Santiago’s new Air Traffic Control (ATC) centre equipped by Thales.

Thales has supplied, installed and commissioned the latest generation EUROCAT Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, the latest generation AERMAC aeronautical message switching system and a Voice Communication System (VCS).

The EUROCAT air traffic management system provides the latest technology to ensure safe and efficient operations for en-route, approach and airport movements. AERMAC is an advanced aeronautical message switching system fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) new standard for aeronautical messages exchange: Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS).

Having built a solid partnership with the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority for more than 25 years, Thales is already a major provider of ATC systems in the country, which involves the air control centre in Santiago as well as the approach centres in Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. The implementation of the new centre modernises Chile’s current Navigation Surveillance and ATM capabilities, enabling the controllers to efficiently fulfil their daily mission of airspace control regulation and at the same time assure complete security.

Jean-Loïc Galle, Thales Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Air Systems Division stated: “Being the first Latin American country to receive an Eagle Award by International Air Transport Association, Chile has become a role model and reference in the area of airspace navigation services. Thales is honoured to have contributed to this achievement”.

General José Huepe, Chief Executive Officer of Chile’s Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The entry into service of the new control centre is a significant milestone for our operational telecommunications and air traffic control services in that it represents the leading edge of technology worldwide and combines two concepts that are of critical importance for the development of domestic and international air operations: operational security and efficiency.”

Thales is a world leader in ATM systems and civil radars and has a 70% market share in the navigation aids market. Thales offers an integrated gate-to-gate solution, from pre-flight to landing, ensuring airport safety, efficient traffic handling operations, data sharing on aircraft and seamless handover operations between territories.

Thales has supplied a total of 260 EUROCAT air traffic control centres worldwide, all designed to comply with international standards and meet customers’ requirements for enhanced traffic safety and security.



About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company generated revenues of 12.7 billion euros with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners. www.thalesgroup.com