Somalia reassumes airspace as controllers arrive
-
- Posted On 08-05-2016, 09:14PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia-Ground-based controllers and equipment for weather forecasting have arrived in Mogadishu for the first time in 25 years as a result of landmark IGAD and ICAO efforts, Garowe Online reports.
Somali Ambassador to Kenya Jamal Mohamed Hassan on Sunday said, components of the equipment have been airlifted to Mogadishu.
Somalia officially gained control of national airspace from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in December, 2014 despite lack of skilled personnel and control tower apparatuses.
The new equipment includes meteorological materials for weather observation. “Among the equipment are computers and meteorological apparatuses expected to be used in Somalia for the first time [since the civil war]. We have been assisted by IGAD and ICAO, and Somali government will reassume remaining responsibilities in [control of national airspace],” said Hassan.
UN-backed national government and Somaliland agreed to establish bilateral control body that will be in charge of air traffic at Istanbul talks in July 2013. However, Somaliland later complained of serious flouts in the deal.
Official ceremony will be held for launch of controllers on Monday according to Somali National News Agency.
GAROWEONLINE
