New air traffic control system at Chennai soon

Chennai, Sep 28: The proposed Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, which will make will make Chennai ATC monitor the Upper Air Space (26,000 feet and above) across south India came up for discussion at a meeting in which aviation experts, pilots and senior officials from AAI and IATA participated today (Sept 28).

However, the Lower Air Space (air space under 26,000 feet) in different zones in the south will remain under the control of the respective airports, an AAI official said.

Earlier ATCs in Thiruvananthapuram,Mangalore and Hyderabad airports were controlling their respective upper air spaces.

Seamless communication, enhanced surveillance and perceived navigational routing are being integrated as part of the new system.

"All those from the IATA, AAI, airlines, pilots and experts from other countries who are to use the new system are participating in the two-day meeting," D K Behera, General Secretary, Air Traffic Controllers Guild (India) told PTI.

"This is to bring all their views to the forum and discuss on possible issues," Behera said.

The proposed new ATC system, which is already on a trial-basis is likely to be operational soon.

PTI