Boeing gets air traffic modernization contract

The Federal Aviation Administration yesterday awarded Boeing Co. of Seattle the second phase of the Global Communications, Navigation and Surveillance System contract, the FAA said.

The air traffic modernization contract is worth $12.9 million for the first year and $23.2 million if FAA picks up the second year option. Boeing acquired the first phase contract worth $25 million in 2002.

Boeing is implementing the FAA systemwide information management infrastructure, a transformation from point-to-point communications to information-centric operations.

Boeing will focus on development of a surveillance data network, weather network and an aeronautical information management network, which is designed to share real-time air traffic information with air traffic managers and other stakeholders.

One of the prototype applications will be to demonstrate four-dimensional trajectory operations, the string of points that describe an aircraft's future flight path, and perform modeling and related human factors studies in partnership with airlines.

The communications, navigation and surveillance system project will safely and securely allow increased air traffic capacity, FAA said.

Network-enabled air traffic operations is supposed to give users and air traffic managers a common operating picture that will encourage collaborative decision-making and provide for more rapid response to unexpected events, such as aviation weather and security threats.