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At Tern Systems, our name is inspired by the remarkable arctic tern, a bird known for its extraordinary resilience and navigational prowess. The arctic tern nests in Iceland and other Arctic and sub-Arctic regions across Europe, Asia, and North America. It holds the record for the longest known migration route in the animal kingdom, travelling from Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back each year.



Research shows that arctic terns can fly up to an astounding 81.600 kilometres annually. Over a single lifetime, this tenacious bird can travel up to 2,4 million kilometres, equivalent to more than three round trips from the Earth to the Moon!



Arctic terns are also known for their fierce protection of their breeding colonies. They are one of the most aggressive tern species, fearlessly defending their nests by striking at the heads or backs of predators, often causing serious injury to much larger animals.



Originally, the name Tern Systems also stood for Terminal and En-Route Navigation Systems, reflecting our foundational focus on providing advanced navigation solutions. Just as the arctic tern navigates vast distances with precision and determination, Tern Systems is dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable Air Traffic Management solutions worldwide.



Our award winning logo from 2018, features a beautifully drawn arctic tern. The logo symbolises the strength, agility, and resilience that the Arctic tern embodies.





Jón Ingi Jónsson

Tern Systems and Isavia ANS have been collaborating closely for almost 30 years now, developing ATM systems. The newest and most ambitious product being developed is the POLARIS ATM system. The POLARIS ICE team, comprised of members from both companies, is responsible for developing the feature set that will enable Isavia ANS to manage air traffic over the North Atlantic Ocean in the future. The area is more than 5 million square kilometres and is one of the largest control areas in the world.


Here we introduce the first team member: Jón Ingi Jónsson.




✨ Role within the Polaris ICE team


When asked about his role within the Polaris ICE team, Jón Ingi answers: "My knowledge is most useful for developing the approach phase and prioritising tasks for that phase. I also provide an overall view of the system and its integration into the operations of Isavia ANS, including connections to towers and the systems there. Additionally, I focus on needs and opportunities related to surveillance and interaction with flight data, as well as safety nets that need to be implemented. My daily work involves analysing these needs and ensuring they are met effectively and on time.”



✨ Professional experience


We asked Jón Ingi about his professional experience and he replied: “I have been an Air traffic controller since 2006 and worked in all controlled towers and approach controls in Iceland and Greenland. Since 2011, I have been involved in system development within the Development Department of Isavia ANS. I took part in implementing the TAS system from Tern Systems in BIKF TWR and FAXI in 2012. Also implemented MLAT in 2019 and STCA in 2022.



I participate in international cooperation for the Development Department and attend meetings abroad in specific fields, mainly related to surveillance. I worked for a time in the Training Department, teaching and managing, among other things, approach courses for FAXI.



I have been managing the operation of BGSF TWR/APP since 2022 and have extensive communication with airport authorities there as well as Danish regulatory authorities (Trafikstyrelsen).



I also served on the board of FÍF (Icelandic Air Traffic Controller Association) for 6 years, including as a vice-chairman, attending meetings with professional associations abroad, and had extensive cooperation with Isavia management in the context of collective agreements and related matters."



✨ Life outside of work


My wife and I have three children and an old cat. Most of my time is spent with the family, such as watching the children compete in soccer, going together to a summer house, or doing some carpentry. I enjoy going out for a run or a bike ride to clear my mind, but probably the best is going ptarmigan hunting."



✈ About Polaris ATM


POLARIS ATM is our flagship product, the next-generation Air Traffic Management System. Our vision is to advance Air Traffic Control by delivering new levels of usability, modernity and innovation. Moving beyond the legacy systems which dominate the industry, POLARIS ATM uses technologies which will support our partner's emerging needs in the next decade and beyond. ANSPs who select POLARIS as their future ATM system will benefit from new features developed with others within our user group, designed with scalability and adaptability in mind.

Updated: Jul 12

Ján Cafík

Tern Systems and Isavia ANS have been collaborating closely for almost 30 years now, developing ATM systems. The newest and most ambitious product being developed is the POLARIS ATM system. The POLARIS ICE team, comprised of members from both companies, is responsible for developing the feature set that will enable Isavia ANS to manage air traffic over the North Atlantic Ocean in the future. The area is more than 5 million square kilometres and is one of the largest control areas in the world.


Here we introduce the first team member: Ján Cafík.



✨ Role within the POLARIS ICE team


We asked Ján about his role within the POLARIS ICE team and he replied: “I mostly focus on connecting user needs and requirements with Product Vision & Strategy. Building an overarching, multi segment plan, laying a necessary foundation for POLARIS ATM to grow further at Isavia ANS and later beyond to ensure sustainable market growth.”



✨ Professional Experience


Ján studied Air Traffic Control (BSc) and Management (MSc) at the Faculty of Aeronautics at Technical University of Košice. He worked with the Slovak ANSP, LPS SR for many years first as a technical administrator (Thales Top Sky, Ales - Letvis, Ales - Letvis RAD Sim, Adacel 3D TWR Sim, EIZO Safe Guard and many more) and technical expert, later helping in international research projects within SESAR - Virtual Centre architecture and UPMS (User Profile Management System) solutions. He has helped set up automated testing and product vision for a small startup within the domain. His experience as both a customer and a service provider at the startup and SME levels has given him a well-rounded perspective.



✨ Life outside of work


When asked about his life outside Tern Systems, Ján says: “I live an active life outside work, doing anything from Basketball to Golf, from Hiking and Running to Swimming. When I feel lazy, or tired, I mainly watch movies or read a good book. :) These days, my main focus outside work is on building the future generation, through my 5 month old son, Liam.




✈ About Polaris ATM


POLARIS ATM is our flagship product, the next-generation Air Traffic Management System. Our vision is to advance Air Traffic Control by delivering new levels of usability, modernity and innovation. Moving beyond the legacy systems which dominate the industry, POLARIS ATM uses technologies which will support our partner's emerging needs in the next decade and beyond. ANSPs who select POLARIS as their future ATM system will benefit from new features developed with others within our user group, designed with scalability and adaptability in mind.




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