• The partnership agreement includes research and development of AI features and air traffic management concepts
• Areas of collaboration contain AI-based speech recognition and digital assistants for ATC optimising airport ground movements and operations
At Airspace World in Lisbon, Portugal, the International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) and Frequentis signed a partnership agreement to start a collaborative effort that will enhance airspace capacity and efficiency in the Asia Pacific region (APAC), while accelerating the maturity and deployment of next-generation ATM technologies.
The agreement establishes a framework for joint research and development (R&D) collaboration, bringing together ICAI’s expertise in conceptualising, planning and coordinating projects with Frequentis’ technical know-how in the design and development of air traffic management and communication technologies.
Singapore’s airspace is dense, high-traffic, and deeply interconnected with neighbouring flight information regions (FIRs). The areas for collaboration include AI speech recognition, which can streamline controller communications, and advanced surface-movement guidance for digital airport operations, which can help refine taxi routing, reduce delays, and enhance situational awareness. These are particularly critical for major regional hubs such as Singapore’s Changi Airport.
“Partnering with an innovation organisation like ICAI allows us to contribute our AI and digital expertise to APAC’s airspace modernisation goals and accelerate the use of new aviation solutions in the region,” says Reinhard Grimm, Frequentis Executive Vice President ATM Civil. “AI and digitalisation are transforming operations and we are pleased to be taking steps to drive this further with ICAI.”
Frequentis brings long-standing R&D experience in AI and digital aviation, from advancing automated speech-recognition capabilities in its voice communication and advanced digital tower solutions, as well as driving innovation projects that apply AI to enhance safety and efficiency.
“Working with Frequentis is an exciting opportunity for ICAI to advance research and development that strengthens APAC’s aviation capabilities,” said Patrick Ky, Chief Executive Officer of ICAI. “We are also exploring a potential establishment of a joint Aviation R&D Centre in Singapore which will be a significant step in building a strong innovation ecosystem, enabling the development and deployment of advanced.
About International Centre for Aviation Innovation
The International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), established in 2023, is a global aviation innovation hub dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of advanced technologies across the aviation ecosystem. ICAI fosters international partnerships by bringing together governments, industry leaders, and research institutions worldwide to co-create solutions that address critical industry challenges, including capacity and manpower constraints and the need for decarbonisation. Its mission is to translate research into real-world operational capabilities, building a vibrant innovation ecosystem that ensures a safe, efficient, and sustainable future for flight in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
For more information on ICAI, please visit https://icai-aviation.org.
Nicole Chan, Corporate Communications Manager
Nicole_Chan@icai-aviation.org