NATS CEO Martin Rolfe, with Birmingham Airport CEO, Nick Barton. Credit: NATS Limited.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) is set to serve as the new air traffic service provider of Birmingham Airport, starting 2025.

This move comes after a decade of in-house management and is part of Birmingham’s comprehensive plan to enhance its facilities and services.

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Birmingham Airport’s decision to partner with NATS followed a competitive tender process, reflecting its commitment to becoming one of Europe’s leading airports.

The airport is poised to invest around £300m over the next ten years in terminal and airfield improvements.

This investment aims to accommodate an expected increase in passenger demand, which is projected to reach 18 million by 2033.

As part of their new responsibilities, NATS will collaborate with Birmingham Airport to develop a technology and innovation roadmap.

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This initiative is designed to ensure that the air traffic services can manage the anticipated growth in capacity safely and efficiently, thereby supporting the airport’s expansion plans for the coming decade.

The transition to NATS management will include a 12-month period during which all current controllers, assistants, and air traffic engineers at Birmingham Airport will move to NATS.

This changeover is intended to maintain continuity and expertise within air traffic control operations.

Birmingham Airport Airfield Operations Director Andrew Holl said: “Our industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by rising traffic, advancing digitisation, and a heightened focus on sustainability.

“In this dynamic landscape, our partnership with NATS marks a key step forward for Birmingham Airport, opening up opportunities for modernising our services and accelerating our commitment to enhanced connectivity, innovation, and a greener future. We’re very excited to shape the future of aviation at BHX together with NATS.”

NATS Services Managing Director Guy Adams said: “We are thrilled that Birmingham has chosen NATS. It’s testament to the hard work by teams right across the business to understand what the airport needs and to demonstrate the value NATS can add.

“Our next priority is to ensure a smooth transition, to welcome the Birmingham air traffic team into NATS, and to work together to support the airport’s ambitions. We cannot wait to get started.”