The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has installed new Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) systems in twenty-six airports across the country.
NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr. John Tayo, disclosed at the sensitisation workshop on the newly installed AFTN system in Abuja on Wednesday.
The AFTN is a global, standardised communication network for the reliable and timely exchange of vital flight-related messages and digital data between fixed aeronautical stations, such as air traffic control centres, airlines, and airports.
Using Telex-based protocols and a network of communication centres and stations, AFTN facilitates the transmission of critical information like flight safety messages, meteorological data, flight regularity messages, and administrative correspondence to ensure safe and efficient air travel.
These installations, according to him, mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernise Nigeria’s aeronautical communication infrastructure.
He further stated that the new AFTN system, though operating on the X.25 protocol like the traditional AFTN, had been designed to utilise more robust global satellite facilities, stressing that this advancement provides improved reliability, wider coverage, and enhanced message transmission efficiency. tailored to serve aeronautical communication operations and also function as a dependable alternative to the Air Traffic Service Message Handling System (AMHS).
“Significance of AFTN The Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN) remains the backbone of aeronautical communication worldwide. Its significance cannot be overemphasised. Some of them allow for ensuring timely and accurate meteorological information and dissemination of safe aircraft operations, reducing delays in communication efficiency between air traffic control units and meteorological centres, thereby improving the overall efficiency of air traffic management.
“It allows for global interoperability with its standardised protocols, ensures seamless communication between Nigeria and other States within the ICAQ network, reinforcing our integration into the global aviation community. It also adds as backup to AMHS”.
“While AMHS is the next-generation system, AFTN remains a reliable fallback option. Its availability guarantees continuity of operations in case of any AMHS disruption. It enhances national coverage expansion: With installations across 26 airports, Nigeria now boasts an extensive and resilient communication infrastructure to support aviation growth.”
Tayo equally listed the benefits to include the enhancement of safety of navigational aids, noting that the objectives of the workshop were to familiarise the agency’s technical and operational staff with the hands-on training, features and functionalities of the new AFTN Systems.
It was equally convened to strengthen capacity in managing and troubleshooting the system for optimal performance.
