Pretoria - Aviators in South Africa and abroad today pay tribute to the work done by air traffic controllers (ATCs).
Today marks International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, which is an opportunity to reflect on the role played by ATCs in the dynamic environment of aviation.
On Tuesday, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) said South Africa joins the global aviation community in celebrating the boom in air travel, which has brought unrivalled benefits to society and the business world.
“There are approximately 50 000 active ATCs worldwide and ATNS ATCs rank among the best in the world. In South Africa, we have just over 500 ATCs.
“Aviation is the powerhouse of our economy and thus plays a critical and an integral role within the transportation industry. On any given day, thousands of flights are guided safely through the skies.
“Whether they are carrying passengers or cargo, flight crews are responsible for their load, and when they fly, pilots rely entirely on the professionalism of ATCs, the systems they use and all the people behind the scenes who make their journeys so unique,” said ATNS.
The company Chief Executive Officer, Thabani Mthiyane, said the ATC environment has evolved over the years.
“In South Africa we are very fortunate that we have some of the world’s leading Air Traffic Management (ATM) technologies. We have very professional and competent ATCs that contribute to the safety of our skies," said Mthiyane.
He said the challenge is to ensure that the expected expansion in traffic can be handled safely and efficiently while keeping costs down and ensuring carbon-neutral air traffic control.
“ATCs play a critical role in achieving these challenges. As we celebrate this day each year, we celebrate the individual air traffic controller wherever and under whatever conditions he or she works, as they strive to give the utmost in service to the flying public, to bring you safely to your destination anywhere and anytime,” said the ATNS. - SAnews.gov.za
