Currently, the air traffic control in France still relies on air traffic control procedures developed in the 1970s. Fortunately, with the introduction of the 4-Flight software developed by Thales, the air traffic control system will finally benefit from the long-awaited IT upgrade. According to TF1, a French news channel, the project was initiated in 2011 with an investment of 1 billion euros and is expected to have a lifespan of 30 years. The system is designed to handle a greater number of flights in the future and improve punctuality.
During this period, the new system will be tested at the Athis-Mons, the largest air traffic control center in France, which is responsible for managing all airports in Paris, including Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, Le Bourget Airport, and Beauvais Airport.
However, this also means there will be a significant number of flight cancellations. According to BFM, approximately 16,500 round-trip flights to and from Paris airports, including Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport, Le Bourget Airport, and Beauvais Airport, will be unable to operate. Airlines operating at these airports have been instructed to reduce their flight schedules by 20% from January 9th to February 14th. Long-haul flights are unlikely to be affected. French airlines are forced to cancel some short and medium-haul flights, notify affected passengers, and provide alternative arrangements for the affected passengers on the same day.
While this may cause some inconvenience for travelers to Paris in early next year, according to the French government, the new system will be able to handle a higher volume of air traffic, improve traffic flow, optimize air traffic, and make air travel more environmentally friendly.
