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There’s integration in the air for the MoD and NATS
As part of the National Air Traffic Services Ltd (NATS) and MoD strategy for military controllers to operate on the same technical platform and in the same operations room as their NATS colleagues, ‘Project Eastern Sunrise’ has completed the transfer of London military operations from West Drayton to Swanwick, and the move of the Scottish Area Control Centre to the new NATS Prestwick centre near Glasgow.
The early completion of the project (three years ahead of schedule) has led to significant cost and operational benefits for both the MoD and NATS. Wing Commander John Pickering, who has just taken up the role of Officer Commanding London Air Traffic Control Centre (Military), says that ‘The success of this project is testament to the excellent relationship between NATS and the MoD, and ensures that we can continue to achieve tangible operational benefits coupled with training and unit manpower efficiencies. I look forward to working with my NATS and military colleagues in delivering our military tasks in this unique joint and integrated environment.’
Alex Bristol, Development and Investment Director at NATS, echoes these sentiments, saying: ‘NATS and the MoD both have the goal of providing a high-quality, safe air traffic control service and best value for money. Having all the MoD’s operations in one room will give us the opportunity to meet this goal even more effectively.’
The successful completion of Project Eastern Sunrise reinforces the benefits of a joint and integrated approach to air traffic management in the UK, and the continuing successful partnership of NATS and the MoD.
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