The air traffic management (ATM) environment demands operational continuity. Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) must be prepared for any event that could disrupt operations, from cyber threats and natural disasters to hardware and software failures. Frequentis' PRISMA is an independently developed solution that acts as an easy-to-adopt backup for main automation systems from providers such as Thales and INDRA.
 

Dissimilar secondary system 

To mitigate the risks associated with a complete ATM system failure, implementing dissimilar backup systems is crucial. ICAO guidance recommends that backup systems be sourced from different manufacturers than the primary system to avoid shared vulnerabilities. A failure in the main ATM platform could affect the fallback solution if both systems come from the same vendor, potentially leading to catastrophic ATC disruptions. 

PRISMA is designed as a dissimilar, independent backup system, safeguarding against common software faults that could compromise both the primary and fallback systems when they are too similar. This approach ensures operational continuity and reduces the risk of ATC Zero, ensuring safe and reliable air traffic management. 

Assuring continuous operations 

PRISMA was developed as a resilient secondary system, focusing on ensuring operational continuity. Its intentional simplicity minimises potential errors and threats while still delivering essential air traffic management (ATM) functions. 

With a core focus on resilience, PRISMA guarantees the reliability and safety of air navigation services, maintaining ATC operations even in the event of a primary system failure. Designed to support critical functions like pre-flight planning and real-time situational awareness, PRISMA serves as a robust backup to the main ATM system. 

PRISMA’s modular design allows it to adapt to different operational needs, ranging from a basic "Clear the Sky" (CTS) system to a comprehensive, high-performance contingency solution. 

Seamless operator transition – HMI mimicking 

The primary cost of adopting an automation system often lies in the training required for air traffic controllers (ATCOs). PRISMA addresses this by mimicking the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) of the main system, significantly reducing the need for additional training and minimising the risk of errors. With PRISMA, transitioning between the main and backup systems becomes seamless for operators. Its HMI mirrors the look and feel of the primary system, allowing controllers to adapt quickly with minimal learning curve, ensuring efficient airspace management during system switches. This enables ATCOs to remain focused on maintaining flight safety without disruption.

The financial impact of air traffic control (ATC) downtime can be staggering, and the reputational damage can be even harder to recover from. According to Eurocontrol statistics, a complete system failure for an ANSP can result in: 

• Cancellations: Up to €82,000 for a 250-seat aircraft and as much as €120,000 for a 400-seat aircraft. 
• Delays: Penalties ranging from €79 to €188 per minute per flight. 
• Diversions: Intercontinental flights may face costs of up to €68,000 per diversion. 

In addition to these financial losses, repeated disruptions can severely damage an ANSP’s reputation, leading to a loss of trust from airlines, stakeholders, and passengers. Investing in a reliable backup system like PRISMA not only helps mitigate these costs but also protects your organisation's reputation by preventing ATC failures and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted flight operations, even in critical moments. 

Why choose PRISMA? 

• Enhanced resilience: Provides robust protection against system failures with a proven track record of reliability – zero failures. 
• Flexibility: Offers a full range of functionality tailored to ANSPs’ needs, from basic CTS to high-performance backup systems. 
• Seamless HMI integration: Allows controllers to transition effortlessly from the main to the backup system with an interface closely mimicking the primary ATM system. 
• Future-proof: Developed on Frequentis’ MOSAIX platform, PRISMA is aligned with the SESAR Virtual Centre framework, making it a future-proof solution for ANSPs worldwide. 
• Cost-effective solution: Helps mitigate the enormous costs associated with ATC downtime by providing a reliable, seamless backup operation.