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US to secure SADC air travel
Pierre Steyn
Washington - Plans to build a new space-based air traffic control system for Southern Africa, which would make air travel safer and the region more attractive to foreign investors, have received a boost of millions of rands from the American government.
The American Trade and Development Agency (TDA) concluded an agreement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) this week to allocate R6m for the completion of the final phase of a feasibility study for the new air traffic control system.
The American company conducting the comprehensive feasibility study, Innovative Solutions International (ISI), will contribute an additional R6m towards the completion of the study.
ISI currently provides expertise to the International Aviation Authority to implement its global satellite navigation system in all Southern African countries.
The project, when completed, will provide accurate approach, landing and take-off information to 34 international airports in the region.
Countries like South Africa currently depend on ground-based radar systems for its air traffic control, while there is considerable concern about run-down equipment or the absence of air traffic control systems in neighbouring countries.
A safe and effective air traffic control system is regarded as an important component of economic growth throughout the world.
The TDA said with the announcement of the donation that the American government was committed to improving the economic integration of Southern Africa by developing this important element of the economy.