Adacel Technologies Limited (Adacel) and Estonian Air Navigation Services (EANS) have received the aeronautical equipment certificate from the Estonian Transport Administration for the REVAL ATS digital tower system, which is deployed at Tartu Airport in Estonia.

The system was developed by Adacel in close collaboration with EANS with the goal of transitioning Estonia’s regional airports to fully digital air traffic service operations.

“This is the second REVAL ATS system that was awarded the aeronautical equipment certificate. In November, 2022, the Estonian Transport Administration issued the first certificate for the REVAL system located at Kuressaare airport in Estonia. Thanks to the previously completed process, getting the certificate for the Tartu REVAL system went smoothly, and we are just as happy with this achievement,” said Ivar Värk, EANS CEO.

The system in Tartu is currently in active shadow operation mode, the last validation phase before going operational. During this phase, for testing purposes, the Tartu Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) is provided from a remote tower center in Tallinn, while the team at the traditional airport tower in Tartu retains full access to air traffic management systems and could take control if necessary.

“The shadow operations will last through March 10, 2023, after which we will submit the application to the Estonian Transport Administration to approve Tartu AFIS from the remote tower center in Tallinn. After that, we can start providing the service in Tartu from our remote tower center on a permanent basis,” explained Värk.