Saab to deploy upgraded ADS-B system for expanded trial in Thailand

Saab has been selected by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI), the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) for Thailand, to install an upgraded and expanded automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system across Thailand.

Initially, ADS-B trial system was deployed by the company in 2007 for AEROTHAI at their headquarters in Bangkok to enable AEROTHAI’s initial surveillance evaluation of ADS-B.

Air Traffic Services Engineering Support Bureau of AEROTHAI Senior Director Paisan Praneetpongrang said that the ADS-B trial system provided potential benefits in terms of improved situational awareness and efficiency of air traffic.

"The upgraded and expanded trial system will enable us to more accurately evaluate ADS-B as a country-wide solution," Praneetpongrang added.

Being upgraded and expanded to increase the ADS-B coverage of Thailand airspace, the ADS-B system will provide flights surveillance over Thailand’s airspace in an expanded trial of the technology.

The upgrades aim to study reduced separation and improved flight efficiency as more aircraft become equipped with ADS-B.

Saab ATM general manager Ken Kaminski said, "Saab ADS-B is a field-proven solution that is being used or deployed for situational awareness and reduced separation in some of the most challenging air routes."

The automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast system also provides significant operational enhancements such as improved pilot and controller situational awareness.