1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Malaysia is embarking on a significant advancement in air traffic management with the introduction of Remote Digital and Virtual Towers (RDVT), a cutting-edge concept enabling the provision of aerodrome Air Traffic Services (ATS) from a location without direct visual observation. This innovative approach, aligned with ICAO Doc 4444 and Doc 9426, replicates the traditional “out of the window” view of an aerodrome using advanced remote visual surveillance systems, thereby ensuring seamless situational awareness for air traffic controllers.
1.2 The Penang International Airport (PIA) has been selected as the pioneering site for this national initiative. This strategic decision aligns with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia's (CAAM) new policy to migrate conventional ATC tower operations to the RDVT model, with the CAAM Penang and ATC tower serving as the pilot project. This move is poised to significantly enhance safety and operational efficiency by leveraging advanced technology, which will also eliminate the need for controllers to be physically present in the conventional tower, instead operating from a new control room in the New CAAM Building at PIA.
1.3 This RDVT implementation is an integral component of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad's (MAHB) ambitious expansion of PIA. The expansion aims to elevate PIA's annual passenger capacity from 6.5 million to an initial 12 million, with a long-term vision of 20 million passengers. This critical development necessitates the re-evaluation of existing conventional ATC tower and CAAM office infrastructure, as the current facilities are situated within the footprint of the planned terminal expansion. The proposed new terminal footprint will encroach upon the existing conventional ATC Tower, CAAM Office, MET Office, and AFRS. Consequently, rather than constructing a new conventional ATC tower and CAAM office at a different location for later demolition, the implementation of the state-of-the-art RDVT facility offers a forward-thinking solution.
1.4 The anticipated increase in passenger capacity at PIA is expected to lead to a corresponding surge in air traffic movements within the Butterworth TMA airspace. This heightened demand will exert pressure on Air Traffic Management (ATM) services not only at PIA and Butterworth TMA, but also across the Kuala Lumpur Flight Information Region (KL FIR) En-route Airspace and nearby aerodromes such as Langkawi (WMKL) and Alor Setar (WMKA). The RDVT at WMKP will play a crucial role in managing this increased traffic efficiently and safely, supporting the airport's growth and Malaysia's broader aviation goals.
3 SPECIAL REQUIREMENT ON ADS-B FOR PIA
3.1 Consideration of Regulatory Mandate: To ensure all aircraft operating at the aerodrome, especially with the RDVT system, are detected via ADS-B, CAAM requires all aircraft (commercial, general aviation, etc.) to be equipped with operational ADS-B Out transponders.
3.2 Ground-Based Receivers: The aerodrome infrastructure includes a robust network of ground-based ADS-B receivers that collect the broadcast signals from aircraft and vehicles, feeding this data into the RDVT system.
3.3 Non-ADS-B equipped aircraft: e.g., older general aviation aircraft, or specific military operations that may not broadcast ADS-B, the system would rely on the high-definition panoramic cameras with AI-powered object tracking to maintain full situational awareness. Operators of non-ADS-B equipped aircraft are strongly advised to consider the implications of the possible ADS-B regulatory mandate as detailed in paragraph 4.1.
5 SAFETY CONSIDERATION
5.1 Monitoring and Feedback
5.1.1 A continuous monitoring of RDVT operations during the ORAT to identify and address any safety concerns shall be carried out by all related stakeholders. Pilots and ATC are encouraged to provide feedback on RDVT operation for ongoing improvement before full implementation.
5.2 Contingency Procedures
5.2.1 In the event of a contingency and unavailability of RDVT operation, if the primary remote tower (mast one) experiences an issue (e.g., power outage, technical malfunction), operations can be seamlessly transferred to a backup remote tower (mast two), ensuring continuous air traffic services. This resilience is a key advantage over a single physical tower. However, if both tower masts are unserviceable to provide a visual to the ATC display, the NOTAM will be immediately published, and ATC operation will be provided at AFRS Tower in Penang Airport with a reduced capacity and scale of operation until the operation returns to normal.
6 CANCELLATION
6.1 This AIC will remain current until further notice. Any updates, changes, and cancellations to this AIC will be notified through NOTAM.
