Few of our readers will still remember the original goal of EUROCONTROL… It was to have been THE European air traffic control organization. Nice dream it was and we all know what happened. More recently there was CEATS, the Central European Air Traffic Services Program which was a bit like a Phoenix, the original EUROCONTROL idea rising from the ashes to integrate ATS in Central Europe. After years of effort and a lot of money, this idea also died.
Scattered in Prague and Budapest were remnants of the CEATS elements that had been set up as the first step in realizing the ill-fated project. Prague had the CEATS Strategy and Development Unit, Budapest the CEATS Research, Development and Simulation Centre or CRDS. This latter was renamed in 2009 to EAVU (EUROCONTROL Airspace Validation Unit) no doubt in an effort to reflect the fact that the CRDS was a viable proposition even after the disappearance of CEATS as such. EAVU or not, the fate of the Budapest simulation centre was sealed when EUROCONTROL decided to close it once and for all.
But HungaroControl, the Hungarian ANSP had other ideas.
Recognizing the potential of such a cutting edge facility and the chance of building on a recognized “brand” HC decided to strike a deal with EUROCONTROL in the frame of which they bought the former CRDS lock, stock and barrel. This does not include the existing building because the re-borne center will relocate to new premises in Budapest.
HungaroControl’s intention is to create a regional training, simulation and R&D center that will support, among others, the simulation and validation needs of the EC’s Single European Sky project, including SESAR. It will also facilitate work on the Central European Functional Airspace Block development.
HungaroControl has a long tradition of excellence in ATM development and their experts represent the highest standards in the industry. Combining their traditions with those of the former CRDS, with a healthy dose of cutting edge technology thrown in, will create a sure winner.
