HCAA Digital Systems & Infrastructure
04
HCAA Digital Systems & Infrastructure
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) is currently undergoing a massive digital overhaul to modernize Greece's aviation infrastructure. Following a significant communication blackout in January 2026, the Greek government and HCAA have accelerated a "holistic plan" to transition from legacy analog systems to a fully digital, resilient network.
Below is the status of the Digital Systems & Infrastructure as of March 2026:
1. Air Traffic Management (ATM) & Communications
The primary focus is replacing outdated Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) technology with modern Voice over IP (VoIP) systems to prevent the "digital noise" and desynchronization that caused recent airspace failures.
-
VHF VoIP Transceivers: A contract for 495 new transceivers (Rohde & Schwarz) is being implemented to replace all aging radio units across the Athens FIR.
-
VCS/RCS Upgrade: A €4.7 million project (Space Hellas) is modernizing the Voice Communication and Remote Control Systems at the Athens Area Control Centre (ACC).
-
DLS Data Link: Transitioning from voice-only communication to digital data links (DLS) between pilots and controllers to reduce frequency congestion.
2. Airport Infrastructure Modernization
Infrastructure upgrades are extending beyond Athens to the regional "hubs" to improve safety and operational efficiency during peak tourist seasons.
-
Runway Visual Range (RVR) Systems: A nationwide rollout is upgrading RVR systems at seven key airports (Athens, Rhodes, Kos, Alexandroupolis, Kavala, Kozani, and Ioannina) using Vaisala technology.
-
Mode S Radars: Older, malfunctioning radar units are being replaced with Mode S technology to provide more accurate aircraft positioning and data exchange.
-
SWIM Platform: Implementation of the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) platform to allow HCAA, airlines, and Eurocontrol to share real-time meteorological and trajectory data.
3. Institutional & Digital Transformation
The HCAA has been restructured to grant it administrative and financial independence, allowing for faster procurement and technology cycles. This transformation focuses on four key areas:
-
ERP Integration: Implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system to streamline internal HCAA resource management and financial oversight.
-
Data Center Upgrade: Modernizing HCAA data centers to ensure high availability and robust cybersecurity, ensuring full compliance with the NIS2 Directive.
-
E-Services & Portals: Digitization of aviation archives and the launch of unified digital portals for pilot licensing, certification, and drone registration.
-
Advanced Air Mobility: Active participation in the EUSOME Hub, a four-year project designed to integrate drone systems and intelligent coordination into the Mediterranean airspace.
Strategy & Collaboration
Greece has signed a Technical Support Agreement with Eurocontrol (as of early 2026) to oversee these complex upgrades. This partnership ensures that the "Greek Airports Hub" aligns with the Single European Sky (SES II+) regulatory framework, focusing on reducing delays and enhancing airspace capacity.