Firms sign deal to survey ports

 PNG Air Services Ltd has signed a contract with AAM Pty Ltd of Australia to provide a survey of the 29 airports and 418 airstrips in the country.

The survey will update air navigation charts and provide pilots with accurate reference points covering aerodromes, communications, navigation and surveillance installations.  

The data is a requirement for the new Air Traffic Management system that will be installed in the next two years in the country.  

The K7.378 million project is funded by AusAID under an arrangement that includes further upgrades to aviation technology and more skilled air traffic management staff.  

Company managing director and chief executive officer Capt Ted Pakii thanked Australia for the support.

“This is another project in the ongoing programme to improve air safety in the PNG airspace,” Pakii said.

AusAID representative Stuart Schaefer said Australia and PNG shared a goal to improve aviation services and comply with international safety and security standards. 

Australian support includes a K6 million security upgrade at Jackson airport, an air traffic control training simulator, upgrading of the navigational aids and to improve PNGASL’s financial management.  

AAM is a leading provider of surveying and mapping services in the Asia Pacific region.