Hampshire's air navigation provider NATS strikes seven-year deal with BT

By Giles Gwinnett

23 August 2023

Share

The Business Magazine article image for: Hampshire's air navigation provider NATS strikes seven-year deal with BT

iStock

Fareham-headquartered NATS - the UK’s leading provider of air navigation - has struck a seven-year deal with BT, which will see the former's critical data network modernised.

NATS manages all UK airspace from two air traffic control centres at Swanwick in Hampshire, and Prestwick in Ayrshire. It also provides air traffic services at 14 airports in the UK and at Gibraltar airport and Hong Kong International airport.

BT will be responsible for consolidating and modernising the NATS network and also developing enhanced cyber security capability.

"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 now for NATS," said Andy Rowe, director of central Government at BT.

"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."

Tim Bullock, supply chain and facilities management director at NATS, added: "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."

NATS handles more than 2.5 million flights every year and 250 million passengers travelling in UK airspace.

Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county

By Giles Gwinnett

Giles Gwinnett is a writer at The Business Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and covered a vast array of topics at a range of media settings - in print and online. After his NCTJ newspaper training, he became a reporter in Hampshire before moving to a news agency in Gloucestershire. In recent years, he has been covering the financial markets along with company news for an investor-focused web portal. His many interests include politics, energy and the environment. He lives in Dorset.