LOVELAND, Colorado — September 22, 2026 — Northern Colorado Airport (FNL) is launching a new real-time aircraft tracking system designed to enhance situational awareness for airport personnel and air traffic operations.

On Sept. 1, 2026, FNL began using uAvionix FlightLine Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT), an aviation technology system that provides a live view of aircraft operating around the airport. The upgrade enhances a system that relied almost entirely on controllers’ sight and radio communications.

 The FAA recently approved FlightLine APRT as the first and only surveillance tool specifically designed for Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) that are staffed by contract workers, like the one at FNL. FlightLine converts signals from aircraft into a real-time display that shows aircraft location, identification, altitude, and other flight information. 

“Safety and situational awareness are always priorities at Northern Colorado Airport,” said Dylan Swanson, FNL Operations Manager. “This technology gives our airport staff and air traffic controllers another tool to better understand what is happening in and around the airport in real time. It is an important step as FNL continues to grow and prepare for the future.”

Airports are complex operating environments, and having a clear, real-time picture of aircraft can provide an important additional layer of situational awareness, according to Cyriel Kronenburg, Vice President of Airports & ATM at uAvionix. 

“We’re pleased to support Northern Colorado Airport as it brings this technology online and continues to invest in tools that enhance safety and operational awareness at FNL,” Kronenburg said.

As FNL continues to grow in both general aviation and commercial activity, the airport is investing in technology and infrastructure that support safe and efficient airport operations. According to VirTower, the airport recorded 116,291 aircraft operations over the past 12 months, reflecting the significant amount of activity taking place in and around the airport.

The FlightLine system is intended to provide airport and air traffic personnel with an additional source of real-time information and does not replace the responsibilities or functions of the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control system.

About uAvionix

uAvionix develops advanced avionics, surveillance, communications, and airspace management technologies for crewed and uncrewed aviation. Through its FlightLine platform, uAvionix provides scalable airspace and airport situational awareness solutions designed to improve safety, efficiency, and access to the National Airspace System.

About Northern Colorado Airport

Northern Colorado Airport (FNL) is a public-use airport jointly owned and operated by the cities of Loveland and Fort Collins. Located in Northern Colorado, FNL serves as a regional aviation hub supporting general aviation, business aviation, flight training, emergency services, and future commercial air service.

Media Contacts

uAvionix
Cyriel Kronenburg
VP Airports & ATM
Airports@uavionix.com

Northern Colorado Airport
Jodi Doney
Project Manager
Jodi.Doney@cityofloveland.org
970-962-2851