SANS Innovation in Virtual Reality

Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) is the exclusive air navigation provider in Saudi Arabia, managing safe and efficient services across 2 million km² of airspace and handling over 900,000 air traffic movements annually. SANS supports Vision 2030 by enabling passenger growth and air commerce, and since its corporatization in 2016, it has expanded its services to advance the aviation sector.

As the sole provider of Air Navigation Services in Saudi Arabia, SANS plays a strategic role in the Kingdom's modernization, delivering safe, efficient, and innovative aviation services. Guided by its brand values of reliability, innovation, and service excellence, SANS has become synonymous with cutting-edge air navigation and operational safety. Its commitment to "Managing Skies, Securing Lives" drives continuous enhancement of safety, capacity, and efficiency through advanced technologies and expertise, supporting both national and global aviation markets.

SANS has redefined air traffic control in the Middle East by launching the region's first Remote Virtual Tower at Alula International Airport. This innovation leverages high-definition cameras, immersive panoramic imaging, and real-time data integration to manage air traffic remotely, replacing the need for traditional control towers. The solution addresses a critical challenge: providing scalable ATS to remote or low-traffic airports without the cost and complexity of conventional towers. Alula's airspace is now fully controlled from a Remote Tower Center (RTC) in Jeddah, 565 km away, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Partnering with Indra Sistemas, SANS implemented the Indra Remote Tower Optical System (IRTOS), an advanced Human-Machine Interface providing augmented-reality views, object tracking, intelligent alerts, and integration with RADAR, voice communication, and surveillance systems. The ecosystem also includes 360° PTZ and infrared cameras, Signal Light Guns, secure redundant connectivity, and a unified interface for all flight and control systems.

From December 2024 to April 2025, SANS conducted full operational trials under various conditions, achieving regulatory approval, controller training, human factors evaluation, and seamless real-time operations.

The innovation delivers broad technical and societal benefits: 24/7 remote ATS coverage for underserved airports, reduced carbon footprint, enhanced accessibility for Alula as a heritage destination, and development of digitally skilled aviation professionals. Tangible results include avoided tower construction costs, optimized staffing and operations, certified readiness by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and a replicable model for future smart tower deployments. The Alula Remote Virtual Tower represents a paradigm shift, demonstrating how public-sector innovation can generate real-world impact, align with global best practices, and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in aviation modernization through efficiency, sustainability, and scalability.