DOTr inaugurates new navigation system

To make the country's air traffic and navigation at par with international standards, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the other day inaugurated the new communications, navigation, surveillance/ air traffic management (CNS/ATM) systems.

CNS/ATM is a state-of-the-art computer and satellite-based air traffic management technology, which is similar to that being used by Australia, Taiwan, and other European countries.

With the use of CNS/ATM systems, air travel is expected to be more definite, aircraft identification to be more established, and safety of security of passengers are guaranteed.

Apart from these, the system also brings with it better air traffic flow and space management, which optimizes airport capacity and efficient use of airspace that will in turn minimize delays by helping aircraft operators meet their departure and arrival schedules.

In short, the CNS/ATM technology enhances safety, reliability, and efficiency of air traffic service in the Philippine airspace.

The CNS/ATM project started in 2009 but due to delay in construction and other challenges, it did not hit its target completion in 2016. Upon the assumption of Secretary Tugade, there were only three radars – in NAIA, Clark, and Tagaytay, which cover only 30% of the Philippine airspace. So immediately ordered CAAP to fast-track the project.

Todate, 10 additional radars have been installed. This means that the country has now a total of 13 radars, and one satellite radar, that will enable the air sector to cover 100% of the entire Philippine airspace.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration, with DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, along with several high ranking government and transportation officials at the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center, CAAP Compound, NAIA Road, Pasay City.

Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also graced the event.