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Atech to Modernize ATNS Air Traffic Operations

Atech to Modernize South Africa’s Air Traffic Operations
Atech, a subsidiary of the Embraer Group, has secured a pivotal contract with Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) to modernize South Africa’s Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) system. ATNS, the state-owned authority responsible for managing air navigation across the country, will deploy the upgraded system at its primary Air Traffic Control Centre located at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The modernization project also includes the establishment of a disaster recovery centre to ensure operational continuity, alongside a dedicated environment for staff training and system simulation.
Enhancing Airspace Management and Operational Efficiency
South Africa handles approximately 283,000 flights annually, connecting more than 20 domestic and 35 international destinations. The modernization initiative aims to improve airspace planning and coordination by better aligning scheduled flights with the capacity of airports and airspace sectors. This upgrade is designed to enhance responsiveness to dynamic factors such as weather conditions, construction activities, and other operational constraints. By enabling more effective schedule adjustments in collaboration with airlines and airports, the new system is expected to reduce delays, increase operational predictability, and bolster overall safety.
The transition to a new ATFM system, however, presents considerable challenges. Integrating modern technology with existing air traffic control infrastructure demands meticulous planning to avoid disruptions during the transition. The project will be subject to rigorous oversight by aviation stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure that safety and efficiency standards are maintained throughout the implementation process.
Strategic Context and Technological Features
The contract awarded to Atech comes amid intensifying competition in the region, with companies such as Parsons and IBM actively pursuing similar opportunities. This development aligns with a broader global trend toward modernizing air traffic control systems, exemplified by initiatives like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) efforts to enhance airspace management through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Rodrigo Persico, CEO of Atech, emphasized that the agreement supports the company’s international expansion strategy and its commitment to delivering impactful air traffic management solutions. He highlighted that the new system will create a more efficient, resilient, and predictable operational environment, benefiting passengers, airlines, and airports alike, while reinforcing the competitiveness of South Africa’s civil aviation sector.
The upgraded ATFM solution will comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, particularly document 9971. It will feature demand-capacity balancing, collaborative decision-making tools for both pre-tactical and tactical phases, and airport slot management to facilitate advanced airline scheduling. Additional capabilities include real-time operational dashboards and post-analysis performance indicators. Integration with neighboring Flight Information Regions will enhance cross-border coordination, and the implementation of an Initial Flight Plan System aligned with EUROCONTROL standards is expected to streamline processing times.
The contract is scheduled to span two years, with completion anticipated by the third quarter of 2027. As South Africa undertakes this complex modernization, the aviation industry will closely monitor its impact on safety, operational efficiency, and the evolving competitive landscape.

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