UK ANSP NATS have agreed a deal for telecommunications company BT to supply data networks and cybersecurity as part of a seven year deal.
BT will take responsibility for the consolidation and modernisation of NATS’ critical data network as well as manage digital networking and cybersecurity across its sites. BT will also develop an enhanced cybersecurity capability with NATS, which will include a new proactive central coordination point for cyber resilience. Together, these services will enhance NATS’ technology programme into the future and provide leading support for the technical operations it relies on.
NATS provides air traffic services at 14 UK airports and manages UK airspace from two air traffic control centres located at Swanwick in Hampshire and Prestwick in Ayrshire. It also provides air traffic services at Gibraltar Airport and, more recently, Hong Kong International Airport.
Tim Bullock, supply chain and facilities management director at NATS said, “NATS is implementing a truly transformational technology programme to keep the skies safe and support our customers worldwide, so it is vital we have BT as industry leaders alongside us.
“We select organisations at the top of their game technically, to join our collaborative ecosystem of partners. I’m delighted with the partnership we have formed and look forward to working together for many years to come to deliver great solutions for our customers.”
Andy Rowe, director of central government at BT said, “Secure, high-bandwidth connectivity is essential in keeping the UK’s air traffic moving in the future – so after many years of building networks and cybersecurity for providers of critical national infrastructure, we are looking forward to delivering this now for NATS.
“Under the partnership we will be responsible for both network provision and cybersecurity within the NATS strategic supplier ecosystem, and will be embarking on consolidating and modernising the entire network to build a world-class digital infrastructure that is fit for the future of air traffic management.”