The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) has hit back Kenyan Air Traffic Controllers Association (KATCA) over the safety of Ethiopian airspace.
This is after KATCA raised alarm after the strike of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in Ethiopia.
Terming a circular by KATCA on 30 August 2018 as "false and baseless", ECAA indicated that the Ethiopian airspace was secure.
"The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority would like to assure that the Area Control Center (ACC) in Addis Ababa is being manned by an adequate number of well trained, highly capable instructors and professionals", the ECAA statement read.
According to ECAA, the ATC personnel has met the necessary ratings and validation in accordance with ICAO Annex 1 provisions.
"Similarly, the approach and aerodrome positions are also manned with professionals possessing all the qualifications," the Ethiopian authority added.
The ECAA further highlighted that the interim air controllers were all assigned with the necessary orientation and on-the-job training before they were released solo, per the standard practice.
"With regard to the specific false statements and outright lies contained in the circular of the Kenyan Air Traffic Controllers Association, these can be easily verified as all ATC activities and communications are recorded and protected," the Ethiopian authorities concluded.
The ATC is one of the most crucial installations in air traffic control in issuing landing and takeoff instructions to pilots - which may explain the KATCA concern.
Besides, the ATC monitors and directs the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air, and all ground traffic at airports, including baggage vehicles and airport workers using radar, computers, or visual references.
