air traffic and navigation services introduces new procedures for better airport safety

Air Traffic And Navigation Services Introduces New Procedures For Better Airport Safety

Air Traffic and Navigation Services ATNS has devised a five-point instrument flight procedure plan, approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority SACAA, in response to the surge of concerns about South Africas failing airline activities.

This follows mishaps ranging from poor maintenance of runway lights to the recent suspension of ATNS, which forced airlines to incur additional expenses in alternative arrangements.

The plan comes as Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, under pressure to take action at the height of concerns of the downgrade of the RSA airspace, mandated reforms from ATNS in early August.

ATNSs five instrument flight procedures for OR Tambo International Airport and Polokwane International Airport include procedures that are pending approval from the SACAA, which relate to airports that are constantly affected by inclement weather conditions, such as Mthatha, King Phalo in East London and Kimberley airports.

ATNS spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini said the entity had the critical mandate of ensuring air traffic management and safety, and the ongoing instrument flight procedure maintenance programme would try and catch up with international civil aviation regulations and standards.