CAAS and NATS in Cooperation Agreement on Air Traffic Management

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The MoC sets out a collaborative framework to address air traffic management challenges together

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and NATS, the United Kingdom's (UK) leading air navigation service provider (ANSP), have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) today. The MoC will allow both parties to collaborate, exchange ideas and experiences as well as develop and implement new initiatives to tackle air traffic management (ATM) challenges. The MoC was signed in Singapore by Soh Poh Theen, Assistant Director-General, CAAS and Paul Reid, Managing Director, NATS Services.

"Air traffic management is a critical enabler for the growth of an air hub.  CAAS needs to grow Singapore's air traffic management capacity to keep pace with the rate of growth of traffic at Changi and the region.  We have implemented initiatives to enhance our capacity and performance with encouraging results, but more can be done.  NATS has a wealth of experience operating in very demanding environment.  Apart from shortening CAAS' learning curve, we hope this collaboration could also develop new solutions to emerging aviation challenges." said Soh Poh Theen, Assistant Director-General, CAAS.    

The areas of potential cooperation include the following:

• Exchange of information, knowledge and expertise through staff exchange and other programmes;

• Development of best practices in air navigation service provision to optimise air traffic flow and capacity and human performance; and

• Cooperation in activities to explore new air traffic management concepts to modernise the air traffic management system.

The strong growth of aviation centred in Asia presents many challenges in air traffic management for all ANSPs in the region.  NATS, a company that provides air traffic control to all London airports, faces similar operational challenges as a major air hub in Europe and has been sharing its experience and expertise of managing high intensity air traffic operations with CAAS.

"Singapore is beginning to experience the effect of sharp increases in traffic movements," said Paul Reid, NATS. "It is our hope that based upon our experience managing some of the world's busiest airport and most complex airspace, we can work with CAAS to continue to deliver air traffic services and manage its aviation growth in a safe and efficient manner."

About CAAS

The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to "Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success". CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, develop Singapore as a centre for aviation knowledge and training, and contribute to the development of international aviation.

Website: http://www.caas.gov.sg

About NATS

• NATS is the UK's leading provider of Air Traffic Management (ATM) services, handling 2.1 million flights in 2011, covering the UK and eastern North Atlantic.
• NATS provides air traffic control from centres at Swanwick, Hampshire and Prestwick, Ayrshire.
• NATS also provides air traffic control services at 15 of the nation's major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, together with air traffic services at Gibraltar Airport.