IATA LAUNCHES GNSS PROCEDURES PROJECT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

On 19 March 2001 IATA will commence a complex project to implement Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Procedures in 14 States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This is the 2nd phase of a project successfully launched last August in Namibia with a demonstration flight.

When completed later this year, this project will provide 26 international airports with very accurate GNSS approach, landing and departure procedures, which meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements.

Speaking about the project, IATA Director General, Pierre J. Jeanniot stated “This project is an excellent example of cooperation between States and IATA (the airlines) to improve navigational procedures that will enhance air safety and significantly improve the regularity, efficiency and economy of air transport in Southern Africa. This will also result in cost savings for the airspace users.”

The implementation of these procedures at all 26 airports will cost no more than the price of one traditional Instrument Landing System at one airport. IATA, which has a very good track record of infrastructure funding through its ATC Enhancement & Financing Service, particularly in Africa, will recover the cost of implementation from the relevant airspace users who fully support this project.

As part of this project, IATA and its partner, Innovative Solutions International, will be conducting geodetic (WGS-84) surveys, developing the procedures and publishing the respective charts, preparing draft regulations for the individual States and conducting training of the aviation officials from each of the States, to ensure a technology transfer. The first survey teams will commence their work in Namibia this week, continuing on to the other SADC States over the next two months.

A number of other non-SADC States have already shown interest in the project and have requested IATA’s assistance. We expect to announce some additional projects in the near future.