Airport control tower to go virtual

The control tower at Geneva airport will be closed next near in favour of what’s being described as a remote tower.

The current tower – which has been described as looking like an evil robot – was built in the eighties and now needs major renovation. 

The air traffic control company, Skyguide, says that would cost too much – and so is turning to technology. 

The new system will use augmented reality to allow controllers to guide aircraft. The virtual tower could be located anywhere – even hundreds of kilometres away from the airport – but it will stay on site for the time being. 

It will be the first time the system is used in Switzerland – but it is already being used in other countries, such as the UK and Germany. 

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