New air traffic control centre ‘work on track’

Latest technologies will be installed at the new air traffic control centre to keep pace with the rapid growth of air traffic, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Kamal Ahmed said yesterday. Speaking to Bahrain News Agency, he said 45 per cent of the work for the centre has been completed and the project is being implemented in accordance with best international standards. The project covers an area of about 3,120 square metres, four times the area of existing centre. A special room will host all equipment operating devices and systems.

The project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2020. “The new air traffic control centre project is part of the Ministry of Transportation’s strategic plan to develop aviation services in the Kingdom of Bahrain and enhance safety and efficiency to ensure the provision of air navigation services of the highest levels in accordance with the standards and requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation,” the minister said. “It will enhance the status and reputation Kingdom in the field of air navigation.”

He pointed out that the ministry has recently issued a tender for the development of air traffic management systems at the new air control centre. “The new control centre will be equipped with 16 dual aerial surveillance workplaces and six monitoring workplaces to cope with the steady growth of air traffic over the coming years.” According to the ministry’s plan, the current air traffic control centre will be maintained as an alternative centre for use in case of emergency and as an air traffic control simulation centre to qualify and train air traffic controllers to acquire the necessary skills and practical experience of air traffic management in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“The new air control centre building is expected to be operational in the second half of 2021.” Mr Ahmed said that the new centre is expected to contribute towards enhancing the Kingdom’s leading role in air navigation.