The significant and constant increase in European air traffic can only be managed safely with the latest navigation technology.

The technical systems used to ensure the safety of air traffic are divided into four types:

1. Aeronautical communication systems (R/T & COM): radio transmitters/receivers and internal and external telephone lines, links for aeronautical message exchange
2. Radar systems, used to locate and track an aircraft’s position
3. Flight data processing systems, used to precisely identify aircraft detected by radar
4. Air navigation aids, the facilities on the ground which "mark out" the airspace above.

Our technicians and engineers, the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), install, operate, monitor and maintain these systems. Upgrading and refinements are ongoing processes, and skyguide is a recognised innovator in certain of its domains of excellence, such as stripless working methods and systems. In addition, skyguide actively participates in national and international development programmes.

Ever-more-complex services demand long-term investment in enhanced processes and procedures, upgraded systems and acquiring and integrating the latest technologies. Every year, we spend over CHF 30 million on technical equipment and on improving working tools and methods.