"Paris CDG"

DSNA, the French air navigation service provider, has opted for Indra’s InNOVA ground surveillance system at Charles de Gaulle airport.

The proposed system will minimize flight delays and ensure greater situational awareness for air traffic controllers.

The first step of the project will contribute to reliable air traffic operations during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

With four parallel runways and four different towers, Paris Charles de Gaulle is one of the largest and most complex airports in the world.

Air Traffic Surge During 2024 Olympic Games

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), one of the world’s busiest airports, is undergoing a significant modernization with the implementation of Indra’s innovative InNOVA ground surveillance system.

As the 2024 Olympic Games approaches, Paris readies for a surge in air traffic. France’s air navigation service provider, Direction des Services de la Navigation Aérienne (DSNA), has moved to implement the system.

Improved ground control will ensure smooth operations and minimize delays, especially during this critical period.

Paris CDG: A Complex Airport

Charles de Gaulle Airport is a true giant in the aviation world. With four parallel runways and four control towers it processed a staggering 67 million passengers in 2023.

The sheer scale of the airport layout results in an operational complexity that demands the highest precision.

Air traffic controllers at Paris CDG face the constant challenge of maintaining a clear and complete picture of ground movement, ensuring the safety and efficiency of takeoffs, landings, and taxiing aircraft.

InNOVA Implementation at Paris CDG

DSNA’s choice to implement the InNOVA system reflects its proven success in managing complex air traffic scenarios at major airports worldwide.

InNOVA is a sophisticated network that gathers comprehensive data on all aircraft and vehicle movements within the airport environment.

This data originates from various sources, including ground Surveillance Movement Radars (SMRs), Multilateration (MLAT), and additional sensors strategically positioned throughout the airport.

Data Collection & Intelligent Refinement

The power of InNOVA lies not just in its data collection capabilities but also in its intelligent analysis. Indra’s cutting-edge tracking technology takes the raw data from various sources and refines it, eliminating “noise” from irrelevant targets.

This translates to a clear and concise picture presented to air traffic controllers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: the safe and efficient orchestration of ground traffic.

Benefits Beyond the Olympics

The implementation of InNOVA offers significant advantages for CDG beyond the 2024 Olympic Games. Here’s a closer look at some key benefits:

• Reduced Delays: With enhanced situational awareness, controllers can make quicker and more informed decisions, leading to smoother traffic flow and minimized delays for both incoming and departing flights.
• Improved Safety: The system’s ability to filter out irrelevant data ensures that controllers are not distracted by false targets. This heightened focus directly translates to improved safety for passengers and crew.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: Timely and accurate data allows for more efficient use of airport resources, such as taxiways and runways. This translates to a smoother overall operation for airlines, ground crews, and ultimately, passengers.

Conclusion

The selection of InNOVA reinforces DSNA’s longstanding relationship with Indra, which began in 1997 with the previous ground surveillance system.

The successful completion of the first phase of the modernization project in March 2024 highlights the smooth collaboration between the two entities.

Most importantly, the chosen technology is future-proof, readily adaptable to integrate upcoming advanced safety functionalities outlined by the EU’s Common Project 1.

This ensures that Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport remains at the forefront of aviation technology, well into the future.

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On 13 October, Star Alliance inaugurated its second lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport.

Situated conveniently airside after immigration and security checks in the airport’s newest terminal section, this spacious sanctuary spans over 1,300 square meters, providing a haven for over 300 guests.

Designed by the acclaimed architecture firm, Gensler, which also crafted the award-winning Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge in 2013, this new Paris lounge takes luxury and comfort to a whole new level.

Classic French Flair

The Star Alliance CEO, Theo Panagiotoulias, describes this lounge as a testament to the alliance’s commitment to elevating the passenger experience.

The first thing that strikes you when you enter is the abundance of natural light streaming through a stunning glass façade that spans the length of the lounge, offering spectacular runway views.

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This design feature not only provides a sense of spaciousness but also beautifully marries the desires of today’s travelers with the charm of the local French ambiance.

As you step further into this oasis, you’ll notice the influence of quintessential French charm throughout.

From timeless Parisian aesthetics, complete with wall moldings and archways, to captivating black and white photographs of the iconic Eiffel Tower, this lounge promises a visual treat for every visitor.

French artists have meticulously selected the furnishings, adding a touch of sophistication and uniqueness.

Culinary Experience

The Star Alliance Paris Lounge is not just about aesthetics; it’s also a paradise for food and beverage enthusiasts. The standout features include the Welcome Bar, where you can savor a variety of beverages.

For wine connoisseurs, there’s an immersive Wine Bar featuring the expertise of master winemaker Gerard Bertrand, offering a selection of wines from the South of France.

And if you’re a tea aficionado, the Tea Salon provides an assortment from around the world.

For business travelers seeking a quiet place to work, private work cabins and secluded nooks are scattered throughout the lounge. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that every type of traveler is catered to.

A ‘Multi-Sensorial’ Experience

Christian Draeger, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience, emphasizes that this new Paris lounge takes the airport lounge experience to new heights.

The design, décor, and food and beverage offerings have been carefully curated to create a multi-sensorial experience for guests departing from the City of Light.

Guests can unwind in the abundantly lit Winter Garden or the spacious outdoor courtyard, both offering a serene and refreshing atmosphere.

For those in need of a quick refresh, the lounge boasts well-appointed shower suites, making it the perfect stopover for passengers on long-haul journeys.

An Expanding Network

With the addition of the new Paris Lounge, Star Alliance now has seven branded lounges worldwide, setting a new standard for airport lounges.

This expansion enhances the airport lounge experience for travelers departing from Paris, ensuring that they have a truly unforgettable start to their journeys.

As of now, there are two Star Alliance lounges operating in Terminal 1. The first lounge, which was refurbished in 2019, is located prior to security on level 10.

It serves passengers departing on intra-Schengen flights from gates 50 to 78, as well as guests from various lounge access programs departing from all gates.

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Via traffic figures from July 2023 by Groupe ADP, Paris CDG and Orly both continue to perform well as we approach the end of the peak Summer period.

Such statistics are in the positive percentage figures, with Orly not far away at all from achieving pre-pandemic levels.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

The Numbers for CDG & Orly in Paris…

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For Paris CDG, the airport handled 6.571,101 passengers in the month of July, which is an increase of 9.2% compared to the same period last year.

For the year so far, they have handled 87.6% of traffic compared to 2019, which has been recorded at 38,350,153 passengers.

On the Orly side of the equation, they handled 3,203,184 passengers last month, which is an increase of 4.2% compared to the same period last year.

As for traffic numbers compared to 2019, they have achieved 97% of pre-pandemic levels, having handled 18,519,844 passengers so far.

For the month of July however, Orly has achieved 103.1% of traffic versus July 2019, so for that month, they have achieved pre-pandemic levels.

Overall…

What remains clear is that both CDG and Orly are performing well for Paris, but more work is needed to achieve a consistency of pre-pandemic levels moving forward.

All eyes will be on Groupe ADP to see what the August statistics look like, which are set to be released in the next few weeks, alongside their overall 9-month report, as we reach the three-quarters mark.

But for now, let’s see how both airports perform moving into the end of the year.

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