A strategic collaboration between Thales and Avinor, Norway’s leading air navigation service provider and airport operator, is set to deliver a cutting-edge national unmanned traffic management (UTM) system. This partnership marks a significant advancement in airspace management for Norway, merging technological innovation with strict adherence to regulatory standards. It also highlights a key milestone for Thales, leveraging its recent acquisition of AstraUTM, a frontrunner in UTM software development.
With the introduction of its TopSky – UAS, powered by AstraUTM, Thales will offer a secure and scalable digital platform designed to automate UTM operations and support advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions. The platform will enhance air traffic management across airports and urban, suburban, and regional environments. Key features include compliance monitoring, authorization management, real-time decision-making, continuous airspace surveillance, automated conflict resolution, and rapid adaptation to changing conditions.
Enhancing Safety and Compliance in Norwegian Airspace
Avinor’s new UTM system will provide critical services to a diverse range of stakeholders, including drone operators, air traffic service providers (ATSPs), government agencies, and other key players managing low-altitude airspace. The system is designed to fully comply with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 and related guidance materials for U-airspace management, ensuring that all operations uphold the highest standards of safety and transparency.
This advanced UTM solution will integrate secure, efficient, and predictable access services such as Common Information Service (CIS) and U-Airspace Service Provider (USSP) functionality. These services will facilitate seamless regulatory compliance within designated U-airspaces, fostering a safer and more efficient airspace ecosystem.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a world leader in advanced technologies, specializing in three business areas: Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cyber & Digital.
The company develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.
The Group invests around €4 billion per year in research and development, mainly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.
Thales has around 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.
About Avinor
Avinor is a state-owned limited company wholly owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications and is responsible for 43 state-owned airports.
Avinor has taken a leading role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, including the development of electric aircraft and the supply of sustainable biofuel for jets.
Avinor provides safe and efficient travel for around 50 million passengers annually, half of whom travel to and from Oslo Airport (Norway).
More than 3,000 employees are responsible for the planning, development and operation of an efficient airport and air navigation service. Avinor is financed through airport charges and commercial sales. Air navigation services are organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Avinor. Avinor’s headquarters are in Oslo.
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