PH Govt Urged To Upgrade Air Traffic Control System

On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, The Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system at the Ninoy Aquino Internation Airport (NAIA) experienced a power outage, triggering the cancellation of 300 flights and affecting around 56,000 passengers, along with an eight-hour disruption on the operations of other airports in and out of the Philippines.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, former president of Philippine Airlines, apologized for the disruption and emphasized the need to upgrade the outdated air traffic control equipment and the lack of a backup system.

The current operating system was procured in 2010, worth ₱13 billion, borrowed from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and started operating in 2018.

Bautista said while the equipment is still working, there is a need to modernize the system to keep up with technological developments and improve passenger safety. 

Upon assuming office, Bautista also said the Marcos administration wants to elevate Philippine transportation to world-class standards.

There is an immediate need for the government to upgrade the air traffic control management system and rehabilitate facilities in NAIA as it is urgently needed to enable the Philippines to keep pace with its ASEAN neighbors.

Additionally, it could boost economic activity when there is a reliable failsafe system to ensure mobility for the people.

Source: Manila Bulletin