Safer skies across Africa

THE Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) network operated by South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) company has advised its users in Southern Africa that a tariff increase of US$8 (approximately R50) per flight will take effect from April 20. The ATNS says the charge which is collected by IATA for the operation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) - VSAT network outside South Africa will be increased from US$6 to US$14 in accordance with an agreement between the company and IATA as well as other representative bodies. The tariff will cover the full costs of all terminals currently in operation in the SADC region. The network was initiated in 1997, following numerous African regional planning meetings as a response to the substantial increase in air traffic movements since South Africa's re-integration into the international community. The network - which is fully operational in SADC countries as well as in Angola the DRC (Congo), Mauritius, and Tanzania - will eventually interconnect air traffic control centres in 14 southern and central African countries. The ATNS also plans to interconnect with West African states and Madagascar in the second quarter of this year, which will facilitate the exchange of direct speech and Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) communication between these states and participating VSAT states. Peter Marais, general manager: business development of ATNS says the network is a demonstration of the company's desire to co-operate with other service providers in the region in the interests of improved aviation safety. "In successfully deploying the network and integrating it with other similar networks, our ability and commitment to operating in the broader African context is also demonstrated," he added. (Miguel de Sousa)