Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Belfast International Airport contracts NATS for ATC

Aerospace

Belfast International Airport contracts NATS for ATC

NATS has signed a nine-year contract with Belfast International Airport for the provision of air traffic control and engineering services.

Above: (back from left) Derek McKnight, BIA Finance Director; Michael Cockcroft, NATS GM, Belfast International; Paul Jones, NATS GCAM (Group Customer Account Manager); Michael Stoller, NATS Director Airports, (front from left) Alan Whiteside, BIA Ops Director and Guy Adams, NATS Commercial Director.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

NATS and Belfast International have worked together for many years but this contract signals the start of a strategic partnership, which will ensure the continued future success of air traffic control and engineering services at the airport.

The agreement runs from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2026. It involves a full team of controllers and an onsite team of engineers being present at the Airport for the duration of the contract.

The Airport has witnessed record passenger growth over recent years, which exceeded 5.4 million passengers in 2016. Traffic is still on the rise and the airport is expecting to handle 5.7 million passengers in 2017.

Belfast International Airport Operations Director, Alan Whiteside, said: “This very sizable contract underlines our belief in the quality and professionalism of the service we receive from NATS. We confidently anticipate further passenger and aircraft growth, and with increased activity levels comes greater reliance on air traffic controllers who play such a pivotal role in our overall operations.

“Next year, we expect another year of record growth and for us to run smoothly, it’s imperative that we have the level of expertise that only NATS can offer.”

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

One of the first key deliverables for NATS has been the introduction of electronic flight strips earlier this year, replacing the paper strips that have been used previously. This reduces the controllers’ workload and increases capacity. It is the first ‘Hub and Spoke’ project delivered by NATS in the UK – where the servers are located at NATS’ Swanwick Control Centre in Hampshire and the data is fed to the airport unit.

Michael Cockcroft, NATS General Manager, Belfast International, said: “Our relationship with Belfast International is an important one for NATS and I am delighted that we are to continue working together, closer than ever before. The Airport is going from strength to strength, with record numbers of passengers travelling through every day and all of us at NATS are looking forward to working together to help successfully manage and drive this growth, safely and efficiently.”


 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
UK-US trade deal confirmed

Aerospace Defence

UK-US trade deal confirmed

9 May 2025

The UK Government confirmed yesterday - on the 80th anniversary of VE Day - that the UK is the first nation to secure a trade deal with the new US administration.

Dr Alisdair Wood FRAeS takes over as RAeS President

Aerospace

Dr Alisdair Wood FRAeS takes over as RAeS President

8 May 2025

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) announced today at its AGM, that Dr Alisdair Wood, FRAeS has taken over as President of the Society at its AGM.

Smiths Detection to deliver checkpoint screening at DXB

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection to deliver checkpoint screening at DXB

8 May 2025

Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) to deliver state-of-the-art checkpoint screening solutions across all terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

IFS launches Nexus Black

Aerospace Security

IFS launches Nexus Black

8 May 2025

IFS has launched Nexus Black, a strategic innovation programme to expedite high-impact AI adoption for industrial organisations.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Pipistrel Velis Electro race tested by James May and Richard Hammond

Aerospace Events

Pipistrel Velis Electro race tested by James May and Richard Hammond

8 May 2025

Aerovolt's Pipistrel Velis Electro - the world’s only commercially available electric aircraft - has been put through its paces by TV presenter James May in an epic race for DriveTribe against his former Top Gear colleague Richard Hammond driving an electric Taycan Turbo GT model Porsche.

Gama Aviation to utilise ELMS Aviation

Aerospace Security

Gama Aviation to utilise ELMS Aviation's employee management solution

7 May 2025

Gama Aviation has signed a new long-term agreement with ELMS Aviation, utilising the company’s powerful personnel competence and compliance platform to support the global expansion of the business.

Advertisement
ODU RT