Prime Minister Perry Christie has said that the government is focused on improving the quality of aviation regulation and aviation security activities, including the development of a risk management regime and the improvement of service delivery, by improving efficiency and effectiveness in the aviation sector.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a ceremony marking the government signing a $14-million loan agreement at the British Colonial Hilton with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the installation of a new radar system and 3-D Tower Simulator, May 3, 2013.

It is a SR8 Radar system and when it becomes fully functional, the new technology will allow The Bahamas to become a certified international training centre for air traffic controllers.

Prime Minister Christie said an important aspect of the work undertaken by the government has been the development of viable, sustained funding arrangement for regulation and security activities.

“Of paramount importance in this exercise is strengthening the capacity of the Civil Aviation Department (people, systems and processes), to deliver quality service.”

“It is the role of the department, as regulator of The Bahamas’ airspace to enhance the capacity of both domestic and international operators utilizing that airspace, to further contribute to The Bahamas’ economic development.”

Prime Minister Christie said in this regard, the partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Technical Cooperation Bureau (TCB), and INDRA Sistemas of Spain will facilitate the purchase of a new state-of-the-art Approach Radar System for Lynden Pindling International Airport, the refurbishment of the existing ASR-9 as a back-up secondary beacon only radar, and the installation of a 3D Tower Simulator for controller training purposes.

He explained that the investment opens the door to greater airlift and opportunities for the Bahamian aviation sector.

“It is designed to support the government in its effort to shore up service levels in the sector, in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended practices.”

The Prime Minister said this promotes The Bahamas for domestic and international airlines, thereby ensuring that the nation stays a competitive tourist destination.

He added that above all, it assures residents and visitors of a safe, secure and efficient air transport system.

Prime Minister Christie also noted that regarding the improvement of the aviation communication network, it is vital to take into account that the Department of Civil Aviation is on target to meet all of the enhanced communication standards for air traffic control services, as outlined by ICAO.

“In this regard,” he said, “the department has launched the ICAO Flight Plan Initiative, which greatly improved communications, as they relate to filing flight plans, as well as facilitating weather updates.”

The government signs a $14-million loan agreement at the British Colonial Hilton with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the installation of a new radar system and 3-D Tower Simulator, May 3, 2013. Pictured signing from left: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) chief of procurement, Peter Malanarie; ICAO director of Corporate Bureau Ivan Galan; and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation Permanent Secretary, Lorraine Armbrister. Standing from left: Ambassador of Spain to The Bahamas Celsa Nuno; Prime Minister Perry Christie; Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin and Melanie Roach. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)