KEY POINTS

• NAMA recognizes the problem with navigation and is working on upgrades.
• Modernization efforts urged to use AI in CNS/ATM systems.
• The requests for increased funding to meet the constraints of the aviation sector are louder.

NAMA admits some navigational systems are in poor state, promises to fix it.

However, despite this we have noticed congestion regarding high traffic in and outside airport and poor navigational systems and we are already addressing the challenges, NAMA general manager of accident, public and legal affairs, Ado Harouna said.

NAMA previews navigational system upgrades

NAMA Managing Director, Engr. Ahmed Farouk who spoke during the Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) in Abuja has promised to improve air navigation facilities.

Represented by Senior Special Assistant Operations Jibril Haske, Farouk highlighted the theme of the meeting, “The Integration of AI in CNS/ATM Systems: As a timely topic on global aviation transformation, the focus is on economic implications for the aviation industry, the role of ATSEPs.

In this context, he called on engineers to submit proposals to redesign NAMA for improved performance, pointing to their determining role in ensuring and upgrading air traffic management systems.

A call for collaboration and modernization

Engr. Selzing Miri, President of NAAE underscored the role of air traffic engineers in making the aviation systems strong enough for emerging technologies such as AI.

Their expertise give assurance of safety and reliability as well as address the requirements of a fast changing industry, he said.

He also called on the Federal Government to bail out aviation agencies as budget constraint is putting strain on them and insisting on a mandatory 50 percent deduction of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGV).

“At present, we have been unable to innovate and modernize CNS/ATM systems economically due to our economic situation, and we need to work together and adapt in order to develop it in a sustainable way,” Miri said.

For long term success in the aviation sector, he added that the existing challenges must be met on the use of AI’s potential to revolutionize communication, navigation and surveillance systems.