Initiative To Optimize Ground And Air Operations Prior To 2014 Sochi Olympics

Boeing announced Tuesday at the Moscow Air Show that it has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate toward increasing the efficiency and capacity of leading Russian airports. Boeing will work with the Basel Aero Company, operator of Sochi Airport in Basel and with Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The Boeing Flight Services Air Traffic Management (ATM) group and Jeppesen, a Boeing subsidiary, will help the airports analyze and optimize their ground operational plans and introduce new procedures with the goal of improving the safety and efficiency of Russian airspace.

"Modern technologies of air traffic management and air navigation will allow us to reduce the risk of closing our airports in low visibility conditions, update our ground operations as well as optimize airspace utilization," said Sergey Likharev, chief executive officer of the Basel Aero Company. "In order to stay competitive and offer the best services to airlines and their passengers, especially prior to such high profile events as the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup, we need to work with the best experts and introduce proven and modern solutions."

Airport and airspace capacity can be significantly increased using the existing capabilities of the systems on-board today's commercial jetliners combined with air traffic management technologies.

Upon completing definitive agreements, Boeing's highly-skilled specialists will work with the Russian organizations in modernization initiatives including increasing the capacity of the largest Russian airports and transforming the overall design of the air navigation system in Russia prior to the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

"Boeing has demonstrated global experience in integrating the technological capabilities of today's modern airplanes with existing air traffic management systems," said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. "Our solutions will optimize the use of airspace and greatly enhance the value to all users of Russian airspace."

Using Boeing's resources, China's aviation authorities implemented a large-scale transformation of the national ATM system and the capacity at Beijing Capital Airport prior to the 2008 Olympics. As a result, the airport became the world's second largest in terms of passengers. Boeing also performed similar work for airports and airspace in the Republic of South Africa in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.

FMI: www.boeing.com