The managing director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr Ahmed Farouk, has stressed the need for collaboration, harmonisation and synergy among the critical staff of the agency as well as the import of integrated procedures to enhance seamlessness and efficiency in the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of aeronautical data.
Speaking at a three-day training workshop on ‘Aeronautical Information Management and collaboration of procedures for top-level management staff of the agency’, Farouk noted that the training was necessary as the agency and the aviation industry in general had gone digital in most of their operations, processes and procedures.
Farouk who was represented by the director of air traffic services, Mr John Tayo therefore charged participants to brace up for automation, which, according to him “has come to stay in NAMA.”
He listed the benefits of collaboration between communication and information services integrated procedures to include ensuring implementation of real-time updates of critical data such as notice to airmen (NOTAMs) and weather reports; creating protocols for collaboration during emergencies to ensure rapid dissemination of vital information; and conducting joint training programs and simulation exercises to improve coordination and response times.
The other benefits, he said, included developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline the specific roles and responsibilities of communication and information services personnel in various scenarios; ensuring that personnel are cross-trained to understand the workflows and challenges faced by their counterparts; developing automated systems for data transfer to minimise human error and enhance efficiency, among others.
“Aero-Communications and AIS departments are the backbone of information management in NAMA given that without information and data, air traffic controllers cannot function, just as pilots cannot fly.
“The world has moved from analogue system into digital dissemination of aeronautical information hence the need for aeronautical information management system which is strictly the responsibility of the two departments,” Farouk added.
