As the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority spearheads the implementation of a strategic programme to upgrade the island’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) equipment and facilities, representatives of Thales Air Systems, S.A.S., arrived in Jamaica this Tuesday, to undertake a number of key evaluation and system design activities that are critical to the success of the modernisation programme.

In a project that is earmarked for completion by October, 2017, French firm, Thales Air Systems, S.A.S., is progressing with the execution of a 21-month contract to supply and install new air navigation infrastructure that will include three (3) radars at various locations across the island, a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Management (ATM) Automation System, Air Traffic Control and 3D Tower Simulators, as well as a number of associated facilities.

Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Nari WilliamsSingh, outlined that the project “is fundamental to Jamaica’s efforts to modernise and enhance the capacity and efficiency of our aeronautical communications and air navigation systems.” He said the project includes components for the efficient design, manufacture, testing, installation and commissioning of the facilities on a turn-key basis.

As project activities progress, Thales will be evaluating the island’s radar sites over the period January 18 – 23, 2016. The project is being implemented at a cost of US $15.1 million.

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) is the statutory organization, which is responsible for regulating Jamaica’s aviation industry and supporting its safe and orderly development.