Aerotel Focused on Modernising Air Navigation Services

Aeronautical Telecommunications Limited (Aerotel) will remain focused on providing critical technical support for aeronautical navigation services across Jamaica’s airspace over the medium-term.

As outlined in the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year ending in March 2025, the entity intends to collaborate with the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) to execute initiatives to modernise air navigation services.

It also plans to refine its safety management system in keeping with regulatory requirements and limit major safety concerns to a maximum of one per annum.

Aerotel will also improve its human resource capacity by providing planned training aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 10057 standards, aimed at developing, certifying, equipping, and refreshing the skills and competencies of technical staff.

For 2024/25, the company intends to allocate $104.77 million for capital expenditure – an increase over the $60.95 million in 2023/24 – to ensure the continuous operation of all equipment, targeting a system uptime of 99.9 per cent.

Included in Aerotel’s capital expenditure plans is $12 million for the installation of solar systems to reduce its electricity consumption.

The Estimates noted, further, that the company is aiming to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in its consumption of non-renewable electricity over the period 2024/25 to 2028/29, as part of its strategic objectives.

Aerotel is a wholly owned government company incorporated in August 1978 to promote the growth and development of civil aviation telecommunications in Jamaica.

The entity’s mission is to deliver dependable communication, navigation, and surveillance systems for the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), in accordance with the standards and recommended practices outlined by the ICAO.

Additionally, as part of its responsibility to disseminate information to the traveling public, Aerotel manages a radio station, KOOL97 FM.