The Ag. managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Emma Anasi has expressed determination of the agency to ensure a speedy completion of the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) Automation project in view of the fact that AIS is the “live-wire of any air navigation system, as it ensures the safety, efficiency and regularity of air navigation through the exchange of accurate, timely and reliable information to airspace users.’’

Engr. Anasi who disclosed this during this year’s World AIS Day celebration noted that in spite of initial challenges traceable to lack of funding and other technicalities, the project is back on course.

Engr. Anasi who was represented at the event by the General Manager, Safety Management Services, Mr Mathew Pwajok revealed that the first phase of automation shall become fully operational at 11 stations nationwide by the third quarter of 2016, adding that the ongoing global migration from terrestrial based navigation to satellite based navigation (i.e. Performance Based Navigation) needed a high level of accuracy and integrity of data required for safety, efficiency and economy of flight operations.

Earlier in an address, the president of the Aeronautical Information Services Association of Nigeria (AISAN), Mr Shittu Babatunde appealed to NAMA management to assist his organization in the area of personnel training, office accommodation and technical equipment.