Airport

The system is already operating in 5. Polish airports* including Rzeszow. In the future, DCL will also cover other Polish airports.

Digital ATC Clearance (DCL) is a state-of-the-art technological system that enables the transmission of flight clearance handed out  by air traffic controllers to aircraft pilots electronically, instead of traditional voice communication. With DCL, clearance information is transmitted via data link directly to the aircraft cockpit.

The most important benefits resulting from the implementation of the DCL system by PANSA are:

• Increased efficiency: the ATC clearance process is faster and more precise, reducing the time needed for crews to prepare for departure,
• Improved safety: reducing the risk of misunderstandings and errors resulting from incorrect interpretation of voice messages, which clearly has a positive impact on the smoothness and overall safety of aviation operations,

• Reduced workload: thanks to partial automation and reduced air frequency occupancy, air traffic controllers will be able to focus on other key tasks.

In 2024, according to Eurocontrol data, PANSA was one of the European ANSPs with the lowest delays. This was possible thanks to the professional management of the work of air traffic controllers by PANSA. The implementation of the DCL system is particularly important to further improve statistics in this area in the Polish airspace, also in terms of the beginning of Summer 2025 schedule in the European space.

Adam Hamryszczak, CEO of the Rzeszow Airport said: „We are pleased with all the positive decisions that improve the safety and aircraft handling time. This technological change is particularly important because I am convinced that our passengers will especially appreciate the punctuality of flight schedules. The fact that we are among the top five airports to be offered this innovation first is a proof that our airport’s role keeps growing.”

* DCL is already operating in Rzeszow, Gdansk, Katowice, Poznan & Wroclaw.

** The article is based on a PANSA press release.