P13.25-B aviation system completed in 2 yrs – DOTC

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) expects the P13.25-billion world-class communication, navigation and surveillance system to be in place before the end of President Aquino’s term.

Michael Arthur Sagcal, DOTC spokesman, said the agency has inked an amended contract with the joint venture between Sumitomo Corp. of Japan and Thales Australia Ltd. for the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems Development Project Package-I.

Sagcal said Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya secured the joint venture’s reassurance that the CNS/ATM Systems would be fully in place by November 2015 or before the end of President Aquino’s term in June 2016.

He pointed out that the state-of-the-art systems would modernize aviation safety and security capabilities, increase airport capacity, and minimize flight delays and aircraft collisions by providing safety alerts and warnings, managing the use of the airspace and air traffic flow, and enhancing the communications and monitoring capabilities of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

“This project will bring the country closer to the highest of international aviation safety standards.  Ultimately, it will also result in more revenues for the government, bolster the country’s tourism goals, and lower pollution emission levels through efficient air traffic management,” he said.

Under the amended contract, the Sumitomo-Thales joint venture would immediately restart the construction of an air traffic management building and the supply of various components such as automation equipment and terminal radars, to enable the use of the satellite technology-based system.

The CNS/ATM Systems Development Project was first conceptualized in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Air Navigation Plan, and would replace aging vital communications, surveillance, and air traffic control equipment at selected airports nationwide.

The DOTC awarded the two work packages to Sumitomo-Thales joint venture.

The first package which entails the design and construction of the ATM Center and ATM Automation System, as well as the final integration of the whole CNS/ATM system was awarded in November 2010 while the second package which involves the design and construction of a surveillance and communication system was awarded in April 2011.

The CNS/ATM project aims to enhance safety, reliability and efficiency of air traffic and airspace systems in the Philippines. The existing air traffic control systems, navigation, communications and surveillance equipment in the country fall short of the required number, are aging and suffer from limitations.

However, the COA in May 2011 suspended the advance payment of P58.92 million for the new Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems Development Project Package – I.