By Teddy Namayanja
With the adoption of digital air navigation, Uganda’s airspace has entered a new era of enhanced safety, efficiency, and modernization. The country’s air navigation system now uses digital information exchanges between aircraft and air traffic control in continental and oceanic areas, marking a significant milestone in the aviation sector.
This technological leap forward enables pilots and air traffic controllers to share critical flight information digitally, reducing reliance on voice communications and minimizing the risk of miscommunication. The digital system provides real-time data exchange, allowing for more accurate and efficient flight planning, navigation, and traffic management.
“While terrestrial facilities are also still available, with the new technology, emphasis is on the procedures being designed based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and most modern aircraft are complaint with this technology which is already in the use at Entebbe International Airport”. Reads part of the statement posted on X former Twitter by Vianney Mpungu Luggya, the Manager Public Affairs, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
The new system is expected to improve Uganda’s compliance with international aviation standards, bolstering the country’s reputation as a hub for safe and reliable air travel in East Africa.
“The industry has also adopted direct routing as opposed to flying over head navigation aids, which saves time and fuel and is more efficient. Direct routing involves flying direct from departure point to destination using the shortest route without having to follow established routes”. Vianney added.
The new air traffic control systems have also come with efficiency in landing and take off. Aircrafts can now fly smootly to the proffered altitude without disruption by the Air Traffic Controller in a bid to separate them from other traffic and the same applies when an aircraft is descending.
“Thus is not only efficient but has reduced the workload for the pilot and Air Traffic Controller. The technology has also reduced on the noise, carbon emissions and makes the flight more comfortable for the passenger”. Vianney’s tweet read in part.
There’s also a centralized monitoring system at Entebbe International Airport, which facilitates maintenance. In case one of the connected systems of any aerodrome such as Soroti, Gulu or Arua fails, the maintenance team can see it in Entebbe using the centralized monitoring.
In addition, there’s enhanced coordination with all teams. information communicated by incoming aircraft to air traffic control can be easily disseminated through the Terminal Operators Control (TOCC) in an instant to all concerned stakeholders including immigration, Airport Operations, Briefing, security and all that need to know once the controller enters information in the system.
As Uganda’s air navigation system continues to evolve, the country is poised to become a leader in aviation innovation and safety in the region.
