Regional Airports Embrace Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) for Enhanced Operations

As air traffic increases and regulations evolve, regional airports are embracing Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) solutions to improve operational efficiency and safety through automation. Traditionally, ATIS technology was viewed as a premium service reserved for larger airports due to their infrastructure demands and available budgets. However, advancements in technology are making automated solutions more cost-effective and accessible for regional airports, including domestic and general aviation airports worldwide. This shift enables regional airports to move away from time-consuming manual operations and adopt automation, providing pilots with accurate, timely information while easing the workload for air traffic controllers.

“Our airspace users, customers and employees have given us thoroughly positive feedback on the system.” – DFS Aviation Services

Following this trend, STR-SpeechTech (STR) has recently implemented StarCaster D-ATIS solutions at several regional airports, including two within Germany—Friedrichshafen Airport (EDNY) and Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (EDHI)—to enhance the infrastructure of their Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers. These projects highlight the growing demand for cost-effective, regulatory-compliant D-ATIS solutions at regional airports.

The Growing Need for ATIS

The shift towards decentralized air travel has resulted in rising demand at regional airports. The expansion of low-cost commercial carriers has led to more flights operating at smaller hubs. Additionally, the rise in general aviation flights, driven by increased business and private aviation activity at smaller regional airports, has been a growing trend expected to continue.

For regional airports, handling the growing volume of aircraft while maintaining safety and efficiency is a challenge. Compared to larger hubs with extensive resources, regional airports face unique budgetary constraints and Air Traffic Control (ATC) staffing limitations. Implementing an ATIS solution provides a cost-effective way to enhance operations by automating weather updates, runway condition reports, and essential airport information for pilots.

“We’ve been seeing great acceptance of the StarCaster system by both ATCOs and pilots. The synthetic ATIS significantly reduced workload for the ATCOs, while the datalink capability is a huge time saver for pilots.” – IE Luftfahrt und Service GmbH (INTERSOFT)

Historically, regional airports have relied on manual solutions due to budget constraints, opting against adopting more automated systems. However, the emergence of modern digital solutions like StarCaster D-ATIS has changed the equation, making automated ATIS a valuable investment for enhancing operations and ensuring long-term regulatory compliance.

StarCaster D-ATIS Implemented at Friedrichshafen Airport (EDNY) and Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (EDHI)

STR-SpeechTech (STR), in collaboration with its regional partner IE Luftfahrt und Service GmbH (INTERSOFT), successfully delivered, installed, and commissioned fully redundant, Global Reporting Format (GRF) compliant StarCaster D-ATIS systems at Friedrichshafen Airport (EDNY) and Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (EDHI).

At Friedrichshafen Airport (EDNY), the project consisted of a turn-key system implementation. The StarCaster D-ATIS system at EDNY features redundant hardware and software configurations for broadcasting arrival and departure information over VHF transmitters. It interfaces with the airport’s Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) via TCP/IP, continuously receiving real-time weather data. Air traffic controllers can create, edit, and approve ATIS messages, including weather updates, runway conditions, and operational details, transmitted in ED-137B compliant VoIP format. The implementation also includes the StarCaster Maintenance Program, ensuring long-term support and reliability.

Similarly, at Airbus’ facility at Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (EDHI), the solution features a fully redundant StarCaster D-ATIS platform designed to support operational, technical, administrative, and maintenance users. The system is capable of broadcasting the ATIS via VOICE (VHF broadcast) or transmitting it over datalink to requesting aircraft via ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System). It enables controllers to create and manage ATIS messages with real-time weather data, runway conditions, and airport operational information. The system interfaces with the local AWOS via TCP/IP and offers secure web-based access to StarCaster’s advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI).

Both installations reinforce STR’s commitment to providing cutting-edge ATIS solutions that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term reliability.

ATIS is Now Within Reach for Regional Airports

As the aviation industry continues to evolve as air traffic increases, modern D-ATIS solutions like StarCaster offer a practical, cost-effective, and compliant way to improve efficiency and safety at the regional level. With affordable options now on the market, regional airports can access the same ATIS capabilities as large hubs within budget. StarCaster D-ATIS demonstrates that automated ATIS is no longer exclusive to major airports. It’s now accessible to any airport ready to modernize.

About STR-SpeechTech Ltd.

We are a Canadian supplier of aviation communication solutions with industry-leading products that adhere to ICAO, WMO, and FAA regulatory standards. Our StarCaster D-ATIS, D-VOLMET, and RWAS systems are deployed at ATC Towers, Flight Service Stations, and remote Landing Facilities, ensuring clear and consistent aviation information broadcasts for airspace users.

For more information, visit www.speechtech.com.

About IE Luftfahrt und Service GmbH

As a service provider in the aeronautics industry, our expertise encompasses the planning, building, and maintenance of technical air traffic control systems, radio and navigation systems, meteorological equipment, and airport lighting systems.

For more information, visit www.ibs-gmbh.aero.