PM Opens Upgraded Kingston Air Traffic Control Centre
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Wednesday (December 18), officially reopened the multimillion-dollar upgraded Kingston Air Traffic Control Centre (KATCC), located at the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) headquarters in St. Andrew.
The upgrading project, which is part of the JCAA’s ongoing modernisation programme, included installation of a new state-of-the-art voice communication control system; cutting-edge, system-wide air traffic management automation surveillance system; and a new global positioning system (GPS).
The centre is also equipped with a master clock and receiver to ensure and maintain precision and accuracy in the reporting of time, and an advanced air traffic control simulator to enhance the training of air traffic controllers.
The Prime Minister said that the investment in the upgrading of the KATCC is in keeping with the Government’s focus on developing the island’s air transport sector.
He noted that the centre, which has been efficiently operated by the JCAA over several decades, is the nucleus of Jamaica’s air traffic management, network and operations.
“Indeed, this facility is the hub that is greatly responsible for fueling and maintaining Jamaica being known internationally as an efficient and safe air transportation location,” the Prime Minister said.
“As a result of our efficient, seamless and safe operations, passengers, businesses and other stakeholders confidently rely on Jamaica’s navigation services for its contribution to a safe global air traffic management system, and safe and efficient passage through Jamaica’s strategic and highly traversed airspace,” he added.
Mr. Holness commended French company Thales for partnering with the JCAA on the undertaking.
“Thales has cutting-edge technology. They have been a traditional partner of the Government of Jamaica and they are a comprehensive service provider, not just in aviation but other areas as well, and we look forward to the continued relationship,” he said.
The KATCC provides overflight services for airplanes traversing Jamaica’s airspace without landing. It also controls the Kingston Flight Information Region (FIR), which is many times larger than Jamaica’s land mass, and covering the Cayman Islands and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
SOURCE: JIS
