Airlines to modify planes for new navigation system

By Wole Shadare The Guardian online.com

HAVING scaled the test-run for migration from terrestrial based aviation system to the satellite-based navigation system, many aircraft in operations in the country are expected to undergo modification to cope with the new air navigation concept.
Aside three airlines that have relatively newer airplanes, others are optimistic that their equipment would be fitted with antenna and other gadgets that could aid their compliance with the new satellite navigation system.
Although Nigeria is a signatory to the Cape Town Convention, which allows for acquisition of modern aircraft, not all carriers in the country are taking advantage of the window of opportunity to get relatively newer airplanes.
The Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, or Cape Town Treaty is an international treaty intended to standardise transactions involving movable property.
The treaty creates international standards for registration of ownership, including dedicated registration agencies, security interests, leases and conditional sales contracts, and various legal remedies for default in financing agreements, including repossession and the effect of particular states’ bankruptcy laws.
Airlines are excited about the new satellite-based navigation system and are willing to quickly embrace it because it would save huge fuel cost for the operators at a time aviation fuel price is rising.
Aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1, takes about 45 per cent of the total cost of airline operations.
To operate the new system, aircraft are expected to be equipped with necessary prescribed gadgets on board for easy link with the satellite for seamless navigation and communication to designated airports.
Managing Director, IRS, Mr. Yemi Dada, who lauded the initiative, told The Guardian that aircraft that were not satellite-based navigation system compliant would need to undergo modification to enable them fit in.
Dada stated that the satellite-based navigation system would help airlines to conserve fuel and save the environment from pollution.
Speaking in the same vein, Spokesman, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Supo Atobatele, stated that airlines would rely on Instrument Landing System (ILS) like the Voice Omni directional Range (VOR), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and others as back-ups under the new navigation system.
However, there are indications that the migration to satellite- based navigation system could lead to job cut in NAMA. Most likely to be affected are air traffic controllers and engineers as the reliance on ground-based navigation system would be near non-existent.
According to an air traffic controller, “the new system may lead to job loss among technical workers like air traffic controllers and engineers. There will be less pressure on the equipment and it will save cost of maintenance, but it is very good for the aviation industry.”
Nigeria at the weekend moved to stop its age-long reliance on ground-based navigation system as it moved to the satellite navigation system.
Using satellite-based direct point-to-point navigation, rather than following established routes illuminated by radio beacons, has the potential to shorten virtually every commercial airline route, safe fuel and time, increase air traffic at any one time and reduce aircraft engine emissions.
Emirates Airline was first to carry out the test in Lagos while KLM recorded the same feat in Kano.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airport are listed among the first four major airports in the country to undergo the pilot scheme.