Air Traffic and Navigation Services - Air Traffic Management, Navigation and Training

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) is the sole provider of air traffic management, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa. Standing strong with over 750 dedicated, passionate people, ATNS strives to continuously provide for the safe, orderly, expeditious and efficient management of air traffic.

As a globally competitive employer of choice, ATNS is committed to diversity having already achieved ranking within the top 10 companies in South Africa with regards to female representation at executive management and board level.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL DURING THE 2010 WORLD CUP

Working together with our partners ensures strengthened performance, accelerated change and the ability to be the best in air traffic management. In partnership with fellow stakeholders like ACSA, CAA and the Department of Transport (DOT), we will work to ensure that air traffic management during the 2010 World Cup is a success.

ATNS’ continued application of the highest safety standards and procedures as they are currently implemented will be assured. We expect an additional 300,000 international passengers over a five-week period, which is extremely exciting.

INCREASING RUNWAY THROUGHPUT CAPACITY

Ways of dealing with the increase in aircraft within our skies include investigation into reducing aircraft separation on final approach as well as within specific pieces of airspace. This will allow increased airspace capacity without any degradation of safety.

Increased runway throughput capacity at the three major airports is also planned. At OR Tambo International we intend to increase from 52 aircraft arrival and departure movements to 72 per hour, from 30 to 44 at Cape Town International and from 24 to 36 movements at Durban International.

SAFETY IN AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

ATNS aims to ensure safety in air traffic management. We work to develop global aviation intelligence by keeping aeronautical communication seamless from Cape to Cairo. Today, ATNS is making this a reality through our Very Small Aperture Terminal Network (VSAT) link.

The North-Eastern African VSAT network, which is similar to the Southern African Development Communities (SADC) VSAT network, has been operational from 1 April 2007. The network, dubbed NAFISAT, provides VSAT satellite communications network for the North-East African region. The terrestrial-based stations make voice and data satellite communications between air traffic control centres in the region possible.

REGIONAL AVIATION COMMUNICATION NETWORK

The SADC VSAT Network has been operational since 1998 and has eliminated all communication deficiencies in the SADC region. This network is fulfilling the region’s communication requirements in terms of the ICAO Africa / Indian Ocean (AFI) plan. It has succeeded in integrating a regional communications network, contributing to increased communication allowing for greater safety on air traffic movements and is financially sustainable.

TRAINING AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

The ATNS training academy (ATA) trains international aviation professionals and maintains and subscribes to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.

Every year, ATNS runs a winter school programme that invests into the lives of South Africa’s disadvantaged youth. The programme is aimed at offering the Grade 12 learners extra mathematics lessons while introducing aviation careers to them with the hope that most will choose air traffic control as a career.