…asks operators to take advantage of PBN, ADS-S, CPDL
By Sade Williams
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has said it is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Transportation yo embark on the upgrading of existing facilities, as well as the deployment of new communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems that will further enhance capacity as well assafety, efficiency and economy of flight operations.
The Agency, which said it observed with sincere concern the challenges and difficulties airlines and the travelling public have been subjected to over the past few days as a result of reduced flight visibility occasioned by the prevailing harmattan dust haze, however, asked the airlines to equip their fleets and take advantage of these new PBN flightprocedures, as well as other satellite based navigation systems such asAutomatic Dependent Surveillance Surveillance Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication Systems that were implemented in 2015, with increased level of safety, accuracy, reliability, integrity, availability and continuity of service.
While the Agency said it is not unmindful of the economic losses to airlines, passengers and other airport stakeholders, it noted that it is primarily required to ensure safety of lives and properties by ensuring that all flight operations are in compliance with minimum state weather conditions aspublished by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for each airport.
In a statement signed by Emma Anasi, NAMA’s acting MD, it said: The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency had earlier taken appropriate measures to ensure the availability and reliability of air navigation facilities atall airports. In addition, the Agency in October 2015 implemented andpublished Performance Based Navigation (PBN) flight procedures for theguidance of aircraft into and out of 16 domestic airports in addition to similar procedures implemented at Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt in 2012.The Agency wish to use this opportunity to encourage Nigerian airline operators to equip their fleets and take advantage of these new PBN flightprocedures, as well as other satellite based navigation systems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication Systems that were implemented in 2015, with increased level of safety, accuracy, reliability, integrity, availability and continuity ofservice.
“Furthermore, while the current severe weather conditions are expected to improve within the next few days, NAMA in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation has embarked on the upgrading of existing facilities, as well as the deployment of new communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems that will further enhance capacity as well assafety, efficiency and economy of flight operations.
“NAMA wish to state that flight operations in the year 2016 have been relatively very safe following significant investments made in the developmentof safety critical infrastructure and manpower. The Agency wish to reassure all Nigerians that all efforts are been made to ensure more efficient and safe airnavigation service delivery in the year 2017”, the statement said.
NAMA however, said it sympathises with all Nigerians who have suffered losses or inconveniences as a result of flight delays/cancellations, saying it wishes all Nigerians, the travelling public, airlines, sister agencies, and other stakeholders, a safe and Happy New Year ahead.
