Air traffic management (ATM) systems

ATM systems form the technical backbone of air navigation. They are closely linked to the provision of Air Traffic Services (ATS) and are used directly by air traffic controllers.

Voice Communication Systems (VCS)

VCS for air traffic control provide voice links between pilots and controllers, as well as between controllers themselves. They are located at area and terminal control centres and at airport control towers. They support:

Air-ground communications (A/G): Radio communications between controllers and pilots.
Ground-ground communications (G/G): Telephone communications between controllers for operational coordination, and between controllers and support staff for management purposes.

A VCS consists of equipment that allows users—air traffic controllers and support personnel—to initiate, receive, manage, and maintain telephone and radio communications.

The VCS is interconnected with radio equipment and other VCS units via the Air Navigation Voice and Data Network (REDAN), using both proprietary infrastructure and leased lines from telecom providers.

ENAIRE is equipped with voice communication systems featuring the following key characteristics:

VoIP technology compliant with the EUROCAE ED-137 international interoperability standard.
Dual system configuration: two systems providing identical functionality but running different critical software for security purposes.
Integration with the Automated Air Traffic Control System (SACTA).
Distributed architecture over a wide area network.
Advanced human-machine interface.

SACTA

SACTA (Automated Air Traffic Control System) is the system that manages air traffic control. Its mission is to facilitate the provision of the ATS (air traffic) services that are entrusted to ENAIRE.

It integrates every route, approach and aerodrome control centre in Spain so that management services can be coordinated and provided based on consistent data. It facilitates the uninterrupted operation of all the control units.

Internationally, SACTA allows automatic communications between Spanish and foreign control centres. To do this, it uses international data exchange standards, reduces manual actions to a minimum, automatically identifies potential conflicts and provides flexibility when reconfiguring operational airspace. It also minimises the effects of traffic peaks.

The SACTA system is constantly evolving and is updated to new versions so that changes can be implemented gradually.

SACTA provides the following core functions:

Processing all flight plan information through a centralised Flight Plan Processing system (TCPV) and multiple local Flight Plan Processing units (TLPV).
Traffic planning support tools.
Radar data processing to track and identify aircraft and maintain safe separation.
Linking radar information with flight plans to allow controllers to identify aircraft automatically and unambiguously.
Display of meteorological information to support navigation under adverse conditions.
Real-time alerts to controllers regarding deviations from flight plans or authorised clearances.
Data communication between aircraft and controllers, enabling message exchange without relying solely on voice communication.
Presentation of aeronautical information necessary for air traffic control.
Supervision, configuration, recording, and technical operation of the entire system in a distributed manner.

ICARO

The ICARO system (Integrated COM/AIS/AIP & Reporting Office Automated System) automates tasks and procedures related to aeronautical information management (NOTAM) carried out by the Spanish NOTAM Office (NOF).

It also automates NOTAM projects at airports, including initial flight plan processing and tracking at the Airport Reservation Offices (ARO).

ICARO provides access via ICARO clients installed at airport terminals and through ENAIRE’s website.

It also supplies aeronautical and meteorological information to SACTA, consolidating all operational data needed to plan flights, submit flight documents, and consult aeronautical and meteorological information through Pre-Flight Information Bulletins (PIB).

ENAIRE provides the following services through ICARO XXI:

Aeronautical information: this service ensures that all information necessary for the safe, regular, and efficient operation of international air navigation is distributed. The NOTAM Office (NOF) is responsible for international NOTAM exchanges. ICARO automates the functions of the NOF and provides a system that guarantees the information is accurate, of high quality, and processed in a timely manner.
Pre-flight Information Bulletins: through ICARO, ENAIRE complies with current regulations requiring aeronautical information to be made available to users. ICARO is a user-friendly tool that delivers aeronautical and meteorological information in the form of Pre-Flight Information Bulletins (PIB).
Weather information: aeronautical meteorological data produced by AEMET is incorporated into ICARO, making it accessible to users via airport terminals and online through ENAIRE’s website.
Flight plan: through ICARO, ENAIRE provides a means for the initial submission of flight plan messages, making it easier to file and subsequently track the status of the flight plan, both from airport user terminals and online through the website. The responsible offices manage and track flight plans using the system’s tools.
Interface with SACTA: ICARO supplies aeronautical information, especially data on the activation and deactivation of special areas, and meteorological information, responding to SACTA requests and keeping the system up to date.
Interfaces with Aena systems: ICARO maintains multiple interfaces with Aena systems, providing flight plan, meteorological, and aeronautical data. Notably, it interfaces with Aena to supply flight plan, SLOT, and Progress information. It is responsible for sending airport-generated messages to EUROCONTROL as part of the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) programme.

Documents of interest

ENAIRE's Service Charter 2022-2024

2026 Charges Guide