ENAIRE puts a new primary radar with three-dimensional technology into operation in the Canary Islands

ENAIRE, the Spanish air navigation service provider, has brought the first 3D primary radar in the entire Canary Islands into operation—a key new facility for air safety. This type of radar, of which there was previously only one other unit on the mainland, represents a major step forward in air traffic management, as it enables highly accurate detection of aircraft positions in three different dimensions: azimuth, distance and altitude. 

The new facility, the only one of its kind in the archipelago and the second in the whole of Spain, significantly improves aircraft detection and tracking 

This new type of radar has an extended range of up to 100 nautical miles (around 185 km) and strengthens air surveillance in an area with high volumes of international flights, such as the Canary Islands, enhancing operational safety. The 3D radar collects and processes data in real time to provide a clear picture of the airspace, even in complex environments, detecting aircraft even in the presence of wind farms, thanks to its 3D technology. 

One of its major advantages is its ability to reduce interference. For example, its technology effectively mitigates clutter—unwanted echoes and inaccurate signals detected by sensors—making it easier to detect aircraft efficiently in more complex environments, while also reducing false alarms. 

All of this results in a higher probability of detecting aircraft and enables a quicker response to any unexpected situation. 

With this new addition, part of a project funded by European funds to support modern, efficient and sustainable infrastructure, ENAIRE is strengthening air traffic management throughout the Canary Islands region, taking another step forward in its commitment to providing safe, innovative and high-quality services to the public. 

About ENAIRE 

ENAIRE is the air navigation service provider in Spain. 

As a company of the Ministry of Sustainable Transport and Mobility, it provides air traffic control services during the en route and approach phases of all flights to and from Spain and overflights. In addition, it manages communications, navigation and surveillance services from ENAIRE in the airspace and the entire AENA airport network in Spain and provides aerodrome air traffic control services in 21 airports, including the busiest. 

ENAIRE is the fourth largest European air navigation service provider, and it is a member of international partnerships A6 Alliance, SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and collaborates closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). 

ENAIRE has received the highest score in Europe on the aviation safety key performance indicator for four years in a row. It has also been awarded the EFQM 600 Seal for its safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable management of air navigation services.