New Air Traffic Control Towers to be Commissioned By December

Two new state-of-the-art air traffic control towers, constructed at a cost of $2.57 billion, are to be commissioned into service at the island’s two major international airports within the next two to three months.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), Nari Williams-Singh, at a recent JIS Think Tank.

He informed that at Norman Manley International in Kingston, the new and old towers have been operating simultaneously since August, to facilitate a smooth transition of air traffic control services once the new facility goes into full operation.

“With the full participation of all our teams, we should be able to conclude parallel operations within about two months then we can transition. Sangster International Airport should be about four to six weeks behind,” Mr. Williams-Singh informed.

He said the towers “will greatly enhance the reliability and efficiency of our air navigation system, in addition to enhancing the work environment for the air traffic controllers.”

Mr. Williams-Singh said training was a part of the construction and installation phases and continues during the parallel operations.

“Training is an integral part of the new system. Included in the installation of the new equipment is simulation facilities and that (is) part of the training so…we can roll out right into commissioning,” he noted further.

The JCAA provides air navigation services for the estimated 178 flights per day, which traverse Jamaica’s airspace.

According to the Director General, Jamaica has experienced continuous growth in air traffic movement over the past five years.

Total aircraft movement was recorded at just under  65,000 per annum in 2014, representing a 4.36 per cent growth over the previous year.

Jamaica provides air traffic control services to enable the proper management of the country’s air space.

Airport arrivals and departures are also managed by air traffic controllers.