Accelerate Training of New, Proficient Air Traffic Controllers, Keyamo Tasks NCAT

•As ICAO projects 4,203 new Africa controllers in 2037

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Wednesday, tasked the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), to come up with innovative solutions to accelerate the training of new and proficient air traffic controllers in Nigeria

This was even as he disclosed that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has hinted that Africa is expected to have 4,203 new air traffic controllers in 2037.

Keyamo made the disclosure at the 34th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATAC) regional meeting of Africa and Middle East (AFM) conference in Abuja.

The Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister in his address at the event, noted: “The target of 4,203 new air traffic controllers was a projection of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”

He also stated that the ministry will undoubtedly continue to provide all the necessary support to NCAT to ensure that it meets and exceeds its statutory responsibilities and functions.

According to him, the profession of air traffic control has evolved rapidly, transitioning from simple flag signalling to sophisticated technologies noting that, “This evolution facilitates management of the surging number of aircraft traversing our skies daily.”

Represented by the Acting Director, Air Safety and Administration, Michael Chiko, Keyamo further maintained that, as a vital, indispensable component of air safety, air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic.

“Therefore, I am not unaware of the critical role you play and invariably, the heavy burden you bear. This burden is compounded by increased air traffic, workforce shortages, technological shifts; necessitating rigorous training regimes.

“Moreso, with the emergence of unmanned aerial vehicles, reshaping dynamics and challenging the norm, it is thus paramount to prepare for the future and indeed Nigeria like other countries must prepare for the future,” the Aviation Minister said.

In a similar vein, the Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Mohammed Odunowo, stated that the theme of the 34th IFATCA Africa and Middle East Regional meeting titled ‘Shaping the Future: Trends and Insights On ATC Training for Tomorrow’ was very appropriate at this time as air traffic control reaches a major turning point with the celebration of 100 years in existence.

Odunowo, represented by Mr. Lawrence Pwajok, further said that a historical look at what air traffic control was a 100 years ago at Croydon airport where history recorded air traffic control first started, and a look at what air traffic control is today at modern day   airports like Dubai, Istanbul, JFK, Charles De Gaulle etc, “will give us a glimpse of what a future air traffic control system would look like in the next 100 years.

“It is obvious that the future air traffic management system will be characterised by extensive application of automation, digitization and artificial intelligence,” Odunowo said.