Belgrade Airport launches counter drone system

GLOBAL AVIATION NEWS

Wizz Air to set up Maltese airline

Wizz Air is planning to create a new subsidiary based in Malta to allow the budget carrier to continue expanding around Europe. The Hungary-based carrier is already the fastest growing airline in Europe and now intends to set up Wizz Air Malta, which could begin flights in October 2022 using Malta-registered aircraft. The airline said it would apply for an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) for the new subsidiary. Wizz Air’s CEO, Jozsef Varadi, said, “We are pleased to announce our intention to establish a new airline subsidiary in Malta. Wizz Air is constantly evaluating the structure of its business and exploring options to establish new AOCs and bases in Europe and beyond”. He added, he successful establishment of Wizz Air Malta later this year will help to reinforce our strong position and support our expansion plans in Europe. We look forward to working with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the Maltese CAA to take this application forward”. European airlines can now set up multiple AOCs across the continent with the arrangements being overseen by EASA. Patrick Ky, Executive Director of EASA, noted, “This new set-up, where one group will operate multiple AOCs based in different member states, but overseen by the same competent authority, demonstrates the possibilities available through the transfer of responsibilities to EASA”. Malta’s Minister for Transport, Aaron Farrugia, said, “This airline will register a substantial number of aircraft in our country, further increasing the number of our already strong 9H fleet. In fact, it is expected to have a significant impact on our economy and generate further jobs. It will also lead to further opportunities and initiatives”.

Belgrade Airport launches counter drone system

NEWS FLASH

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has deployed nine security scanners and a counter drone system from Rohde & Schwarz to maintain air traffic security. Commercially available drones pose severe risks to aircraft and their sightings have even caused flight suspensions. In order to prevent such situations, Belgrade Airport has procured and put into operation a counter drone system from Rohde & Schwarz that can detect drones even before they take off, classify the device type and notify when a drone’s remote control has been switched on. The sensor system can also capture the uplink for tracking down the drone pilot while their aerial device is still on the ground, thereby enabling security personnel to find the drone pilot and initiate electronic countermeasures. In addition, the uplink signal can also be disrupted, causing the drone to switch to failsafe mode. Under Serbian law, drones are prohibited from flying within a five kilometre radius around the airport unless given prior consent by the country's Civil Aviation Directorate.

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