Design of a Remote Tower Pilot Project to Achieve Operational Excellence at Airnav Indonesia

Abstract

The digital transformation of air navigation services has become increasingly important for improving operational efficiency, service continuity, and resource optimization, particularly in geographically dispersed areas. AirNav Indonesia faces several challenges in conventional tower operations, including high infrastructure investment, limited operational flexibility, uneven human resource distribution, security risks, and geographical constraints in Papua and Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged (3T) regions. This study aims to design a Remote Digital Tower Pilot Project as an alternative air navigation service model to support Operational Excellence at AirNav Indonesia. The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and brainstorming, while quantitative data included flight traffic, operational, security disturbance, personnel mutation, and project planning data. The findings indicate that Very Density Aerodrome airports are the most appropriate priority for initial implementation due to their relatively low traffic complexity and continuing requirement for Aerodrome Flight Information Services. The proposed design integrates digital camera technology, video processing, satellite-based communication networks, system architecture, and project management techniques, including the Work Breakdown Structure, Critical Path Method, schedule crashing, and Gantt Chart. Testing based on the EUROCAE ED-240A standard indicates that the proposed system meets operational requirements. The study concludes that the Remote Digital Tower Pilot Project provides a feasible framework for improving operational efficiency, resource flexibility, and sustainable digital transformation within AirNav Indonesia.