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On Wednesday, 31 July 2024, Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Limited updated all its major stakeholders, including airlines and the travelling public, that the ongoing instrument flight procedure maintenance programme needed to be carried out as part of routine global safety protocols. The procedures are based on both local and international design standards and are currently under review to align with global advancements in aviation technology and safety requirements.
“The key priority for ATNS is keeping the skies and our passengers safe, which therefore informed our decision in terms of our safety management system that procedures that do not meet the requirement should be suspended unless such non-compliances are mitigated,” says ATNS Chief Operating Officer (COO), Josia Manyakoana.
“We are pleased that progress is being made with regards to the maintenance programme, and that ATNS will be submitting all procedures related to the affected airports to SACAA by the end of August 2024. We continue to strengthen our safety protocols in the design of these procedures hence the slight delay in finalizing the project.”
The state-owned company also mentioned that it was mobilising all available resources at its disposal to deliver on this project.
ATNS revealed that during this process, the company has prioritised the lifting of suspensions for critical areas such as George Airport, Polokwane International Airport, Kimberley International Airport and Mthatha Airport.
ATNS also provided an update on the operational performance of the affected airports:
1. George: There have been no cancellations of flights to date or delays in and out of this airport due to the suspension of flight procedures.
2. Mthatha and Kimberley: No cancellations of flights and or delays due to the suspension of flight procedures.
3. ?Polokwane: There were cancellations of two flights on the 22nd and 26th of July, which was a result of weather not necessarily the suspended flight procedures.
ATNS also shared that those negative impacts attributed to the company (but not directly linked to the maintenance programme) were experienced in Cape Town when a newly published flight procedure impacted traffic arriving at the airport on the 22nd of July which was, however, addressed the following day. At OR Tambo International Airport negative operational impact happens when one specific Runway (21) is used, especially during peak hours.
ATNS continued to emphasise that the primary objective is to minimize any impact on safety and operational flight delays whilst maintaining the proud history and legacy of the South African aviation sector. The company also expressed appreciation for the support and partnership approach it receives from airline associations and various key stakeholders as it manages this process.
“Lastly, ATNS deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to all affected parties and stakeholders who utilise our airspace regularly during this time,” Manyakoana concluded.