Story by Owen Mandovha
THE Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has upgraded its air traffic control and navigation systems after the launch of new equipment in line with the massive expansion of the airport.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has commissioned new air traffic control equipment which is expected to enhance the country’s aviation control systems as part of the expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
CAAZ Director General Engineer Elijah Chingosho said the new equipment will upgrade the air traffic control systems to international standards.
“This new equipment is designed to improve our air navigation and traffic control systems by way of increased surveillance as the airport is set to receive more aircraft once the new terminals are opened, “he said.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Honourable Felix Mhona, who also commissioned the Aviation Training Academy at the airport, said the new equipment matches the expected surge in traffic and passenger volumes at the expanded airport.
“Indeed, the new equipment attests to the need to complement our newly expanded airport which is going to increase passenger annual handling capacity to 6 million passengers. There is going to be increased aircraft to around 200 and obviously, there is need to strengthen air traffic control systems,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Minister Mhona revealed that tenants of several new ancillary facilities at the airport are set to occupy them in the next two weeks, with the new airport terminal set to be opened next month.
