The utilization of advanced digital technology has commenced at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with the operation of the primary air traffic control tower and the RADA operations center. These developments are crucial components of the ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance air traffic control operations at the airport.
Today, the newest Digital Air Traffic Management System was inaugurated by Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. In the past, Air Traffic Controllers had to manually record information about departing and arriving aircraft, a process that involved coordination between the Air Traffic Control Tower and the RADA Centre.
The introduction of the latest Air Traffic Management System enables real-time dissemination of essential data to relevant nodes. This innovation expedites and optimizes all air navigation services within Sri Lankan airspace, allowing for the accommodation of a higher volume of aircraft through the implementation of this state-of-the-art system.
Unlike its predecessor, the new system demonstrates superior technological capabilities. While the previous system could only measure the cruising altitude, position, and airspeed of an aircraft, the latest system at the airport enables the acquisition of comprehensive data directly from the aircraft cockpit. This enhancement results in a 100% improvement in data accuracy, particularly concerning aircraft safety.
To establish this cutting-edge system, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd made a financial investment of approximately Rs. 1.2 billion.
