Safer air space for PNG

Satellite technology is set to increase flight safety and efficiency for domestic and international airlines in Papua New Guinean air space this year. Papua New Guinea Air Services Limited (PNGASL) has signed an agreement with Aireon, to install the US manufacturer’s nextgeneration navigation system.

Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast, or ADS-B, uses satellite receivers that monitor aircraft globally in real time.

PNGASL describes adoption of the new technology as a “significant milestone” for the company, which currently relies on ground-based infrastructure for aircraft surveillance.

Since operations started in 2008, the company has faced difficulties maintaining and installing ground stations because of mountainous terrain, inclement weather and local power outages.

“With space-based ADS-B, PNGASL will no longer be constrained by these geographic and technical challenges,” says chief executive officer, managing director and captain Ted Pakii.

“The Aireon surveillance data will strengthen all operations overseeing our

Port Moresby flight information region, from improving our controllers’ workload and broadening their capabilities, to facilitating user-preferred routes for our customers.

The technology will facilitate seamless services for the aviation industry in PNG and within the region.

“Additionally, Aireon’s technology will facilitate seamless services for the aviation industry in PNG and within the region and enable more accurate positioning for search-and-rescue operations, among other benefits,” he says.

An Aireon spokesperson says the company is partnering with PNGASL to deploy ADS-B by the end of 2020.

Ground control … new technology being adopted for PNG air space will provide flight identification, the latitude and longitude of planes, their rate of climb and descent, ground speed and other data that will make the skies safer and more efficient for airlines.