Honeywell’s ATM technologies to the fore

SP’s Show News (SP’s): Could you tell us about Honeywell’s footprint in India with regard to Air Traffic Management equipment/solutions?

Priyanshu Singh (Singh): ATM in India is currently in development stage. Honeywell offers a host of relevant technologies, and has participated in both the Next Gen and SESAR programs in the USA and Europe respectively. Honeywell provides requisite equipment for most commercial aircraft, e.g., EGPWS, TCAS, etc. On land, Honeywell offers an FAA certified GBAS system, RNAV, RNP, PBN, SWIM, ASAS, etc.

SP’s: Airports Authority of India has embarked upon modernization of ATM systems, could you outline how you are contributing in this endeavor and how long do you think it would take to replace legacy systems?

Singh: Among other initiatives, Honeywell is part of a DGCA committee responsible for reducing emissions in India and is supporting that initiative through our technologies like GBAS, etc. Honeywell has also participated in the Next Gen and SESAR programs, which places it on a strong footing to support AAI’s initiative of air traffic modernization.

SP’s: Could you indicate the benefits that your ATM products/solutions offer - indicate the kind of savings effected on fuel (percentages); average shortening of flight times etc?

Singh: When fully deployed, advanced ATM technologies and operations are expected to increase efficiency (reduce fuel burn) by 8-12%.

SP’s: What kind of training is required when the next-gen systems are deployed and what role does Honeywell play?

Singh: Honeywell imparts training on Honeywell systems and services to airlines that have Honeywell technologies on their aircraft. Training is not only limited to pilots, but also other airlines functions on a case basis.

SP’s: Traffic flow management in India is a challenge, how do you think Honeywell can help in this?

Singh: Given the nascent nature of the initiative, Honeywell suggests focus on RNP and GBAS as solutions for the near-term; and ADS-B and Data Communications in the longer term.

SP’s: is the market for ATM in India, for the next years and what kind of market share does Honeywell have?

Singh: At the current stage of development, it is difficult to quantify the market size. Future roadmap needs to be prepared in conjunction with the AAI and other relevant stakeholders.

SP’s What are the challenges in the ATM scenario in India and what are the suggestions to overcome them?

Singh: Implementing ATM systems is always challenging, but India should have an easier task than say Europe given there is only 1 agency unlike 27 in Europe. That said, it is a gargantuan project linking complete radar coverage with Area Control Centers using a central network. AAI should learn from the experience of the USA and Europe, and plan accordingly. AAI should also enlist help of companies that participated in those programs.