Cape Town, 16 May 2007 - The Air Traffic & Navigation Services Company (ATNS) today announced, during a meeting in parliament where it presented its 2007/2008 budget and strategic plan, that the critical air traffic control services it provides are on track for 2010 and beyond.  The company has increased its air traffic service staff complement by 10% over the past 12 months and has seen a 75% uptake of its newly implemented retention scheme.

The retention scheme ensures that ATNS is able to respond safely to a 5.4% annual increase in air traffic in South Africa, as well as to compete for a scarce, global commodity in an environment where there is currently a 13% shortage. “Investment in our people and in safety remains the key focus within ATNS,” said ATNS CEO, Wrenelle Stander. During the 06/07 financial year ATNS spent R25 million on training a total of 1461 people in varying aspects of air traffic control, as well as other technical disciplines.  

“Over the last year we have focused intensively on improving the success of new candidates within the air traffic control discipline. We are very pleased that this investment has seen a marked improvement in delegate success rates” added Stander. In addition, the ATNS Training Academy offers a suite of international programmes. In the last financial year ATNS trained delegates from Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana, Rwanda, DRC, Sudan and Nigeria in various air navigation related disciplines.  Capital expenditure for the financial year ended March ‘07 amounted to R 221 million. This investment in infrastructure will ensure increased airspace capacity, the further enhancement of our air traffic management systems, as well as the continued maintenance of the highest safety standards.

“I am pleased with the significant progress that has been made during the last period. We are confident that we will continue to deliver air traffic services in a safe and  efficient manner in the build up to the 2010 World Cup and beyond” Stander concluded.