… as NAAE President solicits more funds
The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced that frantic efforts were being made to address the deplorable state of some facilities in the navigational systems.
The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Farouk, who disclosed this said the management was not unaware of this deplorable condition.
Farouk who spoke at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) held over the weekend in Abuja, urged the engineers to come up with solutions that will reposition the agency for better performance.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant Operations, Jibril Haske, Farouk noted that the theme of this year’s AGM, ‘The Integration of AI in CNS/ATM Systems: Economic Implications for the Aviation Industry – The Role of ATSEPs,’ could not have been more timely or relevant as it captured a critical aspect of the transformation shaping global aviation and challenges “us as professionals to re- position ourselves strategically in this new era.”
Farouk outlined some of the achievements made so far to reposition NAMA to include, training and capacity development.
He said there has been extensive training programmes for all categories of staff, including members of NAAE in order to ensure that the workforce remained at the forefront of global aviation trends, particularly in the rapidly evolving CNS/ATM space.
On infrastructure development, the NAMA boss said they have undertaken the renovation and reconstruction of several NAMA buildings and offices across various stations while staff promotion and welfare was released which cut across all directorates.
Farouk said implementation of the new condition of service was implemented after nearly a decade of needless delays, bickering and controversy
“We have completed the rehabilitation of 12 Control Towers across the country, ensuring improved service delivery and operational efficiency,” he said.
He also announced Procurement and Installation of CNS/ATM Equipment as part of the achievements.
“To enhance safety and efficiency, we have procured and installed Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at various airports nationwide,” he said.
Farouk commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, for his encouragement and guidance which have been instrumental in driving efforts to transform the Nigerian airspace.
Farouk noted that the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Transformation
was revolutionising industries worldwide, and the aviation sector in Nigeria was no exception.
He added that in Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Speaking on the vital role of ATSEPs, he it brings us to the critical role of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs).
As custodians of CNS/ATM systems, ATSEPs are at the core of this transformation. “Your expertise ensures the integrity, reliability, and safety of the technologies that keep our skies safe.
“The integration of AI will demand even more from you,” he said.
The NAMA Boss commended the leadership of NAAE for their dedication and vision in organising the important event.
In his welcome address, the President of the NAAE, Engr. Selzing Miri, reminded the Air Traffic engineers of their vital role in the transformation of the aviation industry through the provision of their services as the experts responsible for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading the complex electronic systems that underpin the air traffic management.
He noted that their expertise and dedication were essential in ensuring the seamless integration of emerging technologies such as AI into the systems while upholding the highest standards of safety and reliability.
He said the theme, with a particular focus on the crucial role played by Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs) was selected.
Miri however called on the federal government to provide more fund for aviation agencies in order to meet up with the emerging technologies as the 50 per cent IGR deduction was negatively affecting performance of agencies in terms of facility upgrade and purchase.
He urged the government to consider its stands on policies that were not developmental in the industry adding, that there was no trial and error in engineering and called for more trainings and retrainings of the officers of NAAE to develop the skill embedded in them
“As we delve into this fascinating and rapidly evolving field, we must acknowledge the challenges that we currently face as a result of the economic situation in our country.
“The aviation industry, like many sectors, has not been immune to the economic hardships we are experiencing. The rising costs, budget constraints, and limited resources have put a strain on our ability to innovate and modernise our CNS/ATM systems effectively,” he explained.
Miri urged them in the face of these challenges, to embrace new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to optimise their operations, enhance safety, and improve efficiency.
He added that the integration of AI in CNS/ATM systems holds immense potential to revolutionise how we manage air traffic, predict and prevent potential safety hazards, and streamline our processes.
“Let us collaborate, innovate, and adapt to the changing landscape of aviation. Let us work together to overcome the economic challenges we face, leverage the power of AI in revolutionising our CNS/ATM systems, and position our industry for sustainable growth and success,” the NAAE President charged members