BT signs air traffic agreement

BT has signed a seven-year deal with NATS, which it describes as the UK’s leading provider of air navigation services.

According to BT, NATS is involved with over 2.5 million flights every year. The new contract is expected to “strengthen its technology infrastructure by creating a future-fit strategic network architecture, supporting air traffic operations in the UK."

A spokesperson for the communications company said: “BT will take responsibility for the consolidation and modernisation of NATS’ critical data network, as well as managing digital networking and cyber security across its sites.

“It will also develop an enhanced cyber security capability with NATS, which will include a new proactive central coordination point for cyber resilience."

BT director of central government, Andy Rowe, said: “Secure, high-bandwidth connectivity is essential in keeping the UK’s air traffic moving in the future. So, after many years of building world-class networks and cyber security for providers of critical national infrastructure, we are looking forward to delivering this for NATS.

“Under the partnership we will be responsible for both network provision and cyber security 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.”