The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Indra a contract, valued at up to $244.3 million if all options are exercised, to modernize its air traffic management (ATM) communication systems. This contract, resulting from a competitive process involving three companies, enables the FAA to replace its current analog UHF and VHF radio systems with digital radio technology supporting both analog and Voice over IP (VoIP) communication.
This win further establishes Indra as a global leader in ATM radio communications, with approximately 50% market share. Indra plans to produce up to 46,000 new digital radio units at its facility in Overland Park, Kansas, shifting production of its Park Air technology specifically for the U.S. market. The contract covers equipment development, production, testing, and qualification, along with a 10-year warranty for the new radio systems.
Indra’s digital radios will feature IP technology, enabling secure voice and data transmissions over VoIP. This system will facilitate robust air-to-ground communication between pilots and air traffic controllers nationwide, enhancing safety, efficiency, and resilience in the U.S. air traffic control network.
Javier Ruano, Indra’s ATM director, highlighted that this contract aligns with the company’s “Leading the Future” strategy to expand its ATM leadership in the U.S. and globally. He emphasized the collaboration between Indra’s U.S. subsidiary and its U.K.-based Center of Excellence, Park Air, known for its advanced communication systems. This partnership will now also involve a new production hub in Kansas.
This project strengthens Indra’s relationship with the FAA, which recently qualified Indra’s Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) technology for deployment across the nation’s 450 towered airports. In addition to the FAA, Indra’s U.S. clients include the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy.
With more than 11,000 air traffic facilities globally equipped by Indra, the company provides next-generation ATM solutions that enable safe, gate-to-gate flight management. Indra’s technology ensures the safety of 85% of daily passengers worldwide, reinforcing its standing as a leading global ATM provider. Its Park Air systems serve both civilian and military customers in over 100 countries.