A new state-of-the-art radio navigation system capable of communicating with at least 200 airplanes at a time has been installed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as part of the US$153 million expansion of the airport.
RGM International Airport is set to become a regional aviation hub able to handle about 6 million passengers annually, from the present 2,5 million.
The upgrading of the facilities at RGM airport is expected to see more international airlines opening routes into Harare and a corresponding increase in tourist arrivals.
The new work at the airport will be handed over to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe next month with refurbishment of the older terminal area set to be finished by December.
Travellers will start using the extension by the end of June as the Government continues its drive to enhance aviation infrastructure in line with global standards.
Developing an efficient air transport system is critical in enhancing economic growth in line with the country’s aspirations as expressed under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
This project has set the tone for massive transformation in the aviation and tourism sectors.
Yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona commissioned the new equipment at the airport, purchased through the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, as well as an Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe that has been set up by the authority.
These are an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard navigational aid, that assists aircraft in their approach by sending omnidirectional signals from ground radio beacons, located at airports and runways. These signals are sent from transmitters located in a network of DVOR stations.
Speaking at the event, Minister Mhona said the equipment was able to communicate with at least 200 planes at one-go within their airspace.
“I wish to congratulate the CAAZ Board and management and the ACZ Board and management for collaborating with our project Contractor, China Jiangsu in the installation of the air navigation aids.
“Furthermore, allow me to appreciate the ATAZ management for working closely with the CAAZ Board in curating the human capital development initiative we are launching today, the ATAZ.
“I am delighted to draw your attention to the first project we are commissioning today: The Air Navigation Aids, in particular the Doppler High Frequency Omnidirectional Range and Distance Measuring Equipment (DVOR-DME).”
“For the benefit of our stakeholders and the media, the DVOR is a radio navigation system, used to aid aircraft in determining their flight position and direction in relation to their destination, using very high frequency signals of between 108.00 to 117.95 MHz sent from a radio beacon,” he said.
He said the newly commissioned air navigation aids were an integral component of the RGM International expansion project.
“They also combine quality with exceptional value for money; employ state-of-the-art technology and are easy to use. The aids require minimal maintenance and are readily usable in the most severe climatic conditions.
“These aids put to rest some sceptics who have been doubting the capabilities of our air navigation and surveillance systems. At one point in time, I challenged the “doubting Thomases of our time” to try us and discreetly operate their aviation equipment and see if we will not be able to locate them. Today, I stand tall and mature to challenge them even more!” Minister Mhona said.
He assured their aviators and the travelling public of the Government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security in their airspace.
“This is the ethos that is deeply entrenched in my Ministry and runs deep into the vision of our aviation actors, manifesting through our regulator, CAAZ, working closely with our airports and aerodromes operator, ACZ, national ground handler, NHS and our airline operator, Air Zimbabwe and several other stakeholders operating behind the scenes.
“This project is one of the several testimonies of the Government’s commitment towards infrastructure refurbishment and modernisation. These air navigation aids we are commissioning today are by no means the only modernisation projects we are embarking on, as there are two more projects at different stages of implementation,” he said
“The Air Traffic Control Communication Systems. Under this project, our seven airports and sites will receive new ground to air radio communication systems for more effective communication between the air traffic controllers and aircraft in our national airspace. Delivery and installation of the equipment shall be completed by the end of August.
“The Secondary Surveillance Radar Systems are the installation of two secondary surveillance radar systems at RG Mugabe and JM Nkomo Airports which shall be undertaken by the last quarter of 2023. Indeed, these projects demonstrate our resolve to adhere to the ICAO safety standards we have committed to.”
The other project is the Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe which Minister Mhona said was Zimbabwe’s fully accredited approved training organisation for courses in aviation security, air navigation and safety.
These are highly regulated programmes which must abide by international regulatory standards.
Source: Bulawayo24
In other news-Mwonzora says journalists need support
MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora says his party will support the media in the fight against hate speech and ensure that journalists’ rights are respected ahead of the August polls.
The MDC-T leader yesterday engaged media practitioners at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House in Harare where he said hate speech was the main trigger of violence during elections.
“We will support the Press in the fight against hate language. It is the precursor to violence and you only need to read the history of Rwanda to see how that tragedy unfolded. It started with hate language and people describing others as cockroaches,” he said. Learn more
