Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a includes equipment and software solutions provided by air traffic controllers for the safe and orderly flow of air traffic. The main function of these equipment and software solutions is to prevent collisions as well as organize the flow of air traffic. ATC includes surveillance (confirmation of the location of planes), communications (passing of data and instructions between pilots and controllers), and navigation (assisting pilots to direct their planes along safe paths). Air traffic control is an integral part of an airport’s infrastructure. With the increasing focus on operational safety and upcoming automation at airports, various airports are focusing on investing in upgrading their ATC for safe and efficient aircraft movement.

The Air Traffic Control vendors are placed into 4 categories based on their performance and reviews in each criterion: “visionary leaders,” “innovators,” “dynamic differentiators,” and “emerging companies".

Vendors that fall under this category receive high scores for most of the evaluation criteria. They have wellestablished product and service portfolios with strong market presence. They have the strong business strategies.

Dynamic differentiators are well-established vendors with strong business strategies. However, they have weaker product and service portfolios as compared to their competitors. They generally focus on a specific type of technology related to a particular product.

Innovators are the vendors that have demonstrated substantial product innovations as compared to their competitors. They have robust product and service portfolios. However, they do not have strong growth strategies for their overall businesses.

Vendors with niche products and service offerings, who have started to gain their foothold in the air traffic control market are covered in this section. They do not have strong business strategies as compared to other established vendors. They might be new entrants in the market and require some time before gaining significant traction in the market. Communication between pilots and ground control operators is essential to ensure an orderly flow of air traffic. Earlier, voice communication systems were primarily used to manage air traffic, which involved the transmission of information between air traffic controllers and pilots. However, conventional voice communication systems are unable to function effectively in congested airspace, which has propelled the need to develop advanced communication technologies for air traffic control. Surveillance systems help air traffic controllers detect the presence and position of an aircraft. The information offered by these systems is monitored by air traffic controllers to ensure an orderly flow of air traffic. Ground-based VHF surveillance systems are used in the continental airspace, and HF and SATCOM systems are employed in oceanic areas. Ground and satellite radio navigational equipment enable pilots to fly along their intended route and to conduct precision approach and landing operations. Automation in air traffic control system is essential to enhance aircraft safety, improve efficiency in terms of cost savings, and support air traffic controllers to facilitate smooth aircraft and ground operations.