Media Release: Update on the Maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures at Various Airports
Saturday, 20 July 2024
Air Traffic and Navigation Services ( ATNS ) SOC Limited is currently conducting a maintenance programme for instrument flight procedures at various airports nationwide.
These procedures are based on South African Civil Aviation Authority ( SACAA ) and International Civil Aviation Organization Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (ICAO PAN-OPS) design criteria which change from time to time.? As part of the process, the procedures are being reviewed and updated to meet the current ICAO PAN-OPS criteria and advances in technology.
In terms of our safety management system, procedures that do not meet the requirement should be suspended unless such non-compliances are mitigated. At this point, a few of the aerodromes where we provide air traffic services are adversely affected (in terms of instrument approaches), namely George Airport (FAGG), Kimberly International Airport (FAKM), Upington International Airport (FAUP), King Phalo/East London Airport (FAEL), Mthatha Airport (FAUT) and Polokwane International Airport (FAPP).? In these cases where procedures are suspended, ATNS will ensure an expedited maintenance review process per the above-mentioned standards to minimise the impact on safety and operational flight delays.
It is necessary to highlight that the maintenance programme has progressed significantly and there is reasonable assurance of a positive outcome. We recognise the crucial role these procedures play in our daily operations, air services, flights, and airport operations.
ATNS is committed to upholding the highest level of safety and efficiency across the network and regrets the negative impact of these suspensions. We will fast-track activities to ensure speedy upliftment of the suspensions.
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Issued by the Air Traffic and Navigation Services ( ATNS ) SOC Ltd