Innovation

Innovation lies at the heart of our business. We are constantly searching for new ways to provide enhanced levels of safety and efficiency through innovation.

Aireon

The Aireon system uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology to receive and send aircraft positional tracking data extending next-generation coverage across the entire planet.

Dublin Point Merge

Implemented in December 2012, Dublin Point Merge streamlines the way in which aircraft are sequenced to land at Dublin Airport and uses new techniques to assist airlines to fly in Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) to the main runway.

Reduced Departure Intervals...

In March 2014, in response to increasing traffic levels, the IAA introduced a six-month operational trial to reduce the interval between successive departing aircraft of the same category.

Remote Towers

Remotely operated towers offer significant potential to assist air navigation service providers (ANSPs).

ELPAC

The IAA provides ELPAC (English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication) assessment services for both ANS staff and Pilots. Developed by Eurocontrol, the ELPAC test fully meets ICAO standards and recommended practices.

Cross Border Arrivals Management (XMAN)

Since April 2014, IAA Shannon Area Control Centre (ACC) has been cooperating with NATS (UK Air Navigation Service Provider) in a Heathrow XMAN Trial to help minimise delays on arrival.

Controller Pilot Data Linking Communications (CPDLC)

Irish airspace has undergone safety and efficiency enhancements with the completion of the national implementation of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC).

Runway Stop Bars

Improved safety as all runways are protected. Runway incursions in Dublin have dropped significantly in Dublin since 2013.

Electronic Flight Strips

In parallel with the Remote Towers project, the IAA will introduce Electronic Flight Strips to the Dublin Air Traffic Control tower.

Enhanced Surface Movement Radar

Two new Surface Movement Radars (SMRs) have been installed by the IAA at Dublin Airport to replace the old SMR. SMRs are a vital component for the safe and efficient running of a modern busy airport such as Dublin Airport.

Airspace Change to the Shannon CTA around Ireland West Airport

From 1st May 2014, the IAA in conjunction with Ireland West Airport designed and introduced new procedures to facilitate Continuous Descent Operations within controlled airspace for aircraft operating into Ireland West Airport.

Mode S Upgrade

On 5th March 2015, the IAA introduced the use of Mode S into the Shannon En Route and in Shannon and Cork Approach environments. The Mode S functionality feature is a part of an upgrade of the COOPANS ATM system, completed in March 2015.

Listening Squawk

On 27th May 2015, IAA Shannon Area Control Centre (ACC) introduced a listening squawk in the Shannon Flight Information region (FIR). The listening squawk for Shannon FIS is 2655.