The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Aviation Training Academy (ATA), in conjunction with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) held the 9th IATA Diploma graduations, at its training facility in Bonaero Park, Kempton Park.

During this event, fifty-three students were conferred with the prestigious and sought-after International aviation management Diplomas – in Civil Aviation Management, Safety Management in Civil Aviation, Aviation Security Management and Air Traffic Service Management. Seven of the graduants are from Swaziland and the rest are South Africans.

The ATA provides a full range of Air Traffic Services, Technical Support and Related training. Since April 2000, the ATA has proudly trained more than 9000 international (majority in Africa) and local delegates. The Academy utilizes Computer-Based Training (CBT), radar simulator, engineering laboratories as well as 3-D aerodrome simulators to the highest industry and safety standards.

ATNS’s successful Womens Development Programme (WDP) has seen four staff members graduating as well. This is a phenomenal achievement – given that these individuals (women) were not exposed to aviation studies before.

The Academy employs top quality instructors and personnel to manage the institution’s state of the art equipment and facilities.

In 2011, the ATA was voted the Best Regional Training Partner. The Academy was for recognised for the impressive results and outstanding contribution in developing the human capital of the air transport industry. To qualify for the award a training organization needed to have conducted more than 20 courses and trained more than 400 students in a year. Through hard work and commitment, the ATA managed to achieve this feat.

"ATNS’s vision is to be a major contributing partner towards ensuring aviation safety in Africa, through our training efforts. This institution is committed to world best practices and undertakes to give each client the skills and knowledge to successfully take on the challenges faced by providers of Air Traffic Control and technical services" said Mr Thabani Mthiyane, ATNS Acting CEO, addressing the graduates.

The Academy is uncompromising in the maintenance of its Quality Management System. This is done in accordance with the ISO 9001:2000 Code of Practice.