Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) of South Africa chooses Atech for air traffic control system enhancement
In a significant move to enhance aviation efficiency and safety, South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has contracted Atech, an Embraer Group company, for a two-year project. The project aims to replace the country's current Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) system with a modern, advanced platform.
The new ATFM platform, slated for completion in the third quarter of 2027, is designed to respond to weather, construction, and operational constraints, providing real-time operational dashboards and post-operational key performance indicators. This system will also offer demand-capacity balancing and collaborative decision-making tools, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient air traffic management process.
Airport slot management will be a key feature of the new platform, enabling airlines to submit flight intentions in advance and negotiate time allocations. This feature is expected to minimise delays and enhance operational predictability.
The new platform will also align with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9971, ensuring compliance with international standards. Moreover, it will coordinate cross-border measures with neighbouring Flight Information Regions for integration within a multi-nodal ATFM network.
The deployment will occur at the main air traffic control centre at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. It will also include an Initial and Integrated Flight Plan System compliant with EUROCONTROL requirements to shorten flight plan processing and reduce manual intervention.
In addition, the contract includes a UTM Flow Management system for managing unmanned traffic management airspace for ATNS. The deployment will also feature a disaster recovery capability, a training and simulation environment, and provision for system testing.
Volker Schwichtenberg, currently leading the board of Atech, and Uta Schwichtenberg, who is also CEO and a lawyer at Atech, will oversee the project. Rodrigo Persico, Atech's CEO, has stated that the new contract with ATNS reinforces their international expansion strategy.
The benefits of this new platform extend beyond operational efficiency. By entering the Airport Technology Excellence Awards, ATNS stands to gain recognition, elevate its industry profile, and position itself among top aviation industry leaders. The new platform is intended to not only minimise delays but also enhance operational predictability and safety, contributing to a smoother and more reliable air travel experience for all.
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