Solar control blinds for Gatwick Airport air traffic control tower

Project Overview

Solar Solve delivered a bespoke solar shading solution for the air traffic control tower at London Gatwick Airport, one of the busiest aviation environments in the United Kingdom. Working with CBRE and NATS, Solar Solve supplied and installed 14 SOLASAFE® solar control blinds using a custom-engineered tension box mounting system, completing all installation work during night shifts to ensure zero disruption to daytime air traffic operations.

The Challenge

Air traffic control towers require exceptional visual clarity at all times. Controllers depend on an unobstructed, glare-free view of the airport environment to monitor aircraft movements, coordinate ground traffic, and make real-time operational decisions. Even minor glare, heat build-up, or blind unreliability can affect controller comfort and operational effectiveness.

In early 2024, CBRE contacted Solar Solve to assist with replacing the ageing blind systems within the Gatwick Airport Air Traffic Control Tower. The existing installation had three specific problems:

• Inconsistent performance — the existing blinds were not performing reliably under the solar conditions experienced at the tower
• Visible light gaps — gaps in the blind coverage were allowing glare to enter the control environment
• Reliability concerns — the existing system was not operating consistently, creating uncertainty for controllers and facility management

Two additional constraints made this project particularly demanding. First, the tower operates continuously, meaning installation work had to be scheduled to avoid any disruption to daytime air traffic operations. Second, access to the tower glazing required scaffolding to be erected and dismantled each night, adding logistical complexity to the installation programme.

The Solution

Solar Solve engineered a tailored shading solution using its SOLASAFE® solar control blind system, which is designed for demanding operational environments including marine navigation bridges, offshore control rooms, and aviation towers.

Custom Tension Box Mounting System

To address the client’s specific requirements for improved tension, reliability, and performance, Solar Solve sourced and implemented a custom tension box mounting system. This configuration provided three key improvements over the conventional installation approach:

• Improved blind tension throughout the operational life of the system, eliminating the performance inconsistencies of the previous installation
• A cleaner installation appearance, with the tension box providing a neat, professional finish at the tower glazing
• Enhanced operational reliability, removing the concern about inconsistent performance that had affected the existing system

Demonstration and Approval

Prior to installation, the custom tension box system was demonstrated to representatives from CBRE and NATS. The demonstration took place at Solar Solve’s parent company facility in Redhill, Surrey, which is conveniently located near NATS’ operations base. Following the successful demonstration, the system was formally approved for installation.

This demonstration stage reflects Solar Solve’s approach to projects in operationally sensitive environments: engaging stakeholders early, showing rather than just describing the proposed solution, and ensuring full confidence before any installation work begins.

Installation

Due to the sensitive nature of air traffic control operations, all installation work was scheduled and completed during night shifts. The installation programme followed the same structured process each night:

• Scaffolding erected each evening to provide safe access to the tower glazing
• Existing blinds removed and new SOLASAFE® tension box systems installed
• Scaffolding dismantled at the end of each shift so the tower could return to full operational readiness the following morning

In total, 14 solar control blinds were installed across the tower environment. The project required close coordination between Solar Solve technicians, CBRE facility teams, and airport operational staff to ensure installation was completed safely and efficiently within the night-shift window.

The Outcome

The completed installation delivered a high-performance solar control solution specifically tailored for the operational requirements of the Gatwick Airport Air Traffic Control Tower. The new SOLASAFE® blinds resolved all three of the issues identified with the previous installation and introduced a reliable, professionally finished system suited to continuous operational use.

“Thank you and the team for coming up with a great solution for the solar blinds. This system now installed is an all-round better idea. Finally, the team are happy in the Tower. I will take that as a win.”

Oli Richardson, CBRE

Key Results

• 14 SOLASAFE® solar control blinds installed across the Gatwick Airport ATC tower environment
• Custom tension box mounting system engineered specifically for the project, now available as part of Solar Solve’s wider product offering
• Improved glare reduction, eliminating the performance inconsistencies and light gaps of the previous installation
• Smoother, quieter, and more reliable blind operation
• All installation completed during night shifts with zero disruption to daytime ATC operations
• Successful pre-installation demonstration conducted with CBRE and NATS representatives
• Positive client feedback confirming controller satisfaction with the completed installation

To explore Solar Solve’s full range of aviation and ATC tower solutions, visit the aviation sector page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product did Solar Solve install at Gatwick Airport ATC tower?

Solar Solve supplied and installed 14 SOLASAFE® solar control blinds at the Gatwick Airport Air Traffic Control Tower. The installation used a custom tension box mounting system engineered specifically to meet the project requirements, providing improved blind tension, a cleaner installation appearance, and enhanced operational reliability compared to the previous blind system.

Why was a custom solution needed for the Gatwick ATC tower?

The existing blind system suffered from inconsistent performance, visible light gaps, and reliability concerns. The client required a new system with improved tension and reliability. Solar Solve engineered a custom tension box mounting system to meet these specific requirements, which has since been introduced into Solar Solve’s wider product offering for critical operational environments.

How was installation managed without disrupting air traffic operations?

All installation work was scheduled during night shifts to ensure there was no disruption to daytime air traffic control operations. Each evening, scaffolding was erected to provide safe access to the tower glazing, the existing blinds were removed and the new SOLASAFE® systems installed, and at the end of each shift the scaffolding was dismantled so the tower could return to full operational readiness the following morning.

Who was the client for the Gatwick Airport ATC tower project?

Solar Solve worked with CBRE, the global real estate and facilities management company, on behalf of Gatwick Airport. NATS (National Air Traffic Services) was also involved in reviewing and approving the proposed installation, with a demonstration of the custom tension box system carried out at Solar Solve’s parent company facility in Redhill, Surrey.

Can Solar Solve supply solar control blinds for other ATC towers and critical operational environments?

Yes. Solar Solve has developed specialist solar shading solutions for ATC towers, marine navigation bridges, offshore control rooms, and other operationally sensitive environments where clear visibility, reliable performance, and minimal disruption during installation are essential requirements. Contact Solar Solve at sales@solasolv.com or call +44 191 454 8595, or visit the ordering and quote page to discuss your requirements.