TANZANIA Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has received communication machines from Italy and Norway to improve the audio communication system in the country’s air space.
The Very High Frequency audio machines accessories including VHF Digital radios, Digital Voice Recording Systems and Voice Switching Systems received by the authority, will boost the audio communication between pilots and the communication towers.
TCAA’s Director General Mr Hamza Johari said the current communications systems were outdated and the installment of the new audio communication system will enhance efficiency in the aviation sector.
“As of today, all the VHF radio communication system have already arrived from Italy and Norway and will be installed in airports to boost the current communication system,” said Mr Johari.
According to Mr Johari, 10 containers have arrived and 12 airports including Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Pemba Airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), Songwe Airport, Mwanza Airport, Tabora Airport, Kigoma Airport, Dodoma Airport, Mtwara Airport, Tanga Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and Arusha Airport will be covered with the installation.
He said the machine is an extension of the authority’s implementation project of installing more advanced communication technology which is worth 31.5bn/- and is funded by the government.
Additionally, the communication accessories will also be installed in the 18 VHF extended relay stations including Kaluwe (Mbeya), Matogoro (Songea), Nambunga (Mtwara), Mwaiseni (Rufiji-Coast), Michakaini (Chake Chake-Pemba), Lolkisale (Arusha), Oldean Malanja (Ngorongoro-Arusha), Kwenjugo (Tanga), Gairo (Morogoro), Ngoli (Dodoma), Lubuli (Dodoma), Mwisi (Tabora), Moroninya (Kasulu-Kigoma), Nyamanyama (Biharamulo-Kagera), Ndisso-Sitalike (Katavi), Kitulo (Njombe), Muganza (Butiama-Mara) and Mugumu Town (Serengeti-Mara).
Furthermore, he noted that the machines will also be stored at the Dar backup centre for aerodrome and approach control at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) and the Area control centre at Mwanza Airport.
TCAA’s Director of Air Navigation Services Ms Flora Mwanshinga said currently the sector is facing numerous challenges, especially in adapting to the new communication systems thus, the arrival of the accessories will increase efficiency.