iGA Istanbul Airport, one of the world's foremost global hubs, has implemented a new level of their groundbreaking Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) application, developed in accordance with their digitalization strategy. The 'Routing Service', a new level of A-SMGCS technology, offers automatic routing functionality for all aircraft and vehicles in airside operations, ensuring advanced situational awareness and improved operational control.

Incorporating cutting-edge technology in the aviation sector into existing applications and procedures is becoming increasingly essential to enhance an airport's sustainability. iGA Istanbul Airport conducts the necessary planning by optimizing the requirements of all stakeholders, including collaborative projects with airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and relevant sub-groups within the industry's dynamic framework, in accordance with Eurocontrol specifications, specifically adhering to Eurocae performance standards, and abiding by the regulations of national and international organizations.

In an effort to optimize the existing runway and taxiway capacity while ensuring maximum safety amidst increasing air traffic, iGA Istanbul Airport has announced the implementation of the world's first "Routing Service (Level 3)" application, a part of the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) technology. This system is fully compliant with DHMI, Eurocontrol Specifications, and Eurocae Minimum Aviation Performance Standards.

Deputy General Manager of the State Airports Administration (DHMI), Dr. Cengiz Paşaoğlu, EC-DG MOVE General Manager, Henrik Hololei, SESAR JU Executive Director, Andreas Boschen, Eurocontrol DG Advisor, Haydar Yalçın, AHEN and SAAB officials were among the guests who attended the launch, presented by iGA Istanbul Airport Deputy General Manager and Chief Planning Officer, as well as Eurocontrol PRC Member, İsmail Hakkı Polat.

This presents a mutually beneficial scenario for all involved parties.

İsmail Hakkı Polat indicated that the A-SMGCS technology, covering the entire airside operation area of approximately 14 million square meters, which includes three primary runways, two auxiliary runways, 178 taxiways, and 367 stands, has been operational 24/7 at Istanbul Airport since its inception in October 2018. He added that unique functionalities were developed jointly by the State Airports Administration (DHMI) Electronics & NVAIDS Departments, DHMI Istanbul Airport Air Traffic Tower teams, our industry partner AHEN-SAAB, and iGA teams. Polat stated that, "The Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) supports the movement of aircraft and vehicles under all weather conditions and traffic density, providing optimal integration for advanced situational awareness and operational control at iGA Istanbul Airport. We are thrilled to announce the activation of the new Routing Service (Level 3) within the A-SMGCS technology, in line with our digitalization strategy. This system enhances airport safety, streamlines airline operations, and expedites transportation by minimizing taxi durations.

The A-SMGCS framework consists of four distinct levels.

A-SMGCS delivers Monitoring (Level 1), Safety Support (Level 2), Direction (Level 3), and Guidance (Level 4), ensuring situational awareness irrespective of weather conditions, and facilitating performance and operational oversight for all stakeholders engaged in airside operations. The A-SMGCS System enhances safety and efficiency of surface movement operations by identifying and tracking aircraft and vehicle positions, particularly in low-visibility conditions. The A-SMGCS system assists in the effective management of airside operations, encompassing aspects such as safety, efficiency, airport capacity, emission reduction, noise impact mitigation, and, notably, enhancing operational productivity.
A-SMGCS systems globally are predominantly used at Level 2, owing to insufficient infrastructure and substantial investments required for infrastructure enhancements. The implementation of Level 3 (Routing Service - determining the most efficient route for each aircraft/vehicle) and Level 4 (Guidance Service - ensuring pilots and ground vehicle drivers adhere to assigned paths via taxiway centerline lights) at Istanbul Airport, currently in the preparation process, will facilitate the use of optimal taxiways for safer and more efficient ground movements, ultimately leading to a reduction in carbon emissions.