Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has announced plans to upgrade its air traffic control system at a cost of Ksh346 million.
A report by Business Daily on Wednesday, March 10, indicated that the project would be undertaken by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The new project is aimed at enhancing safety when handling flights landing at the airport, or departing.
KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe noted that the new technology was instrumental in upgrading the system from the current one whose efficiency is nearly running out.
“We are buying a new Air Traffic Management system (ATM) because the current system is coming to end of life.
“Enhanced safety comes from modern surveillance equipment for example radar systems that allow closer spacing of aircraft approaching airports so that we can accommodate more traffic in our airspace at the same time without risk,” stated Kibe.
He further noted that with the upgrade, the airport, which is the busiest in Kenya, will be able to handle many flights while cutting back on delays.
The system is expected to be installed by Indra, a Spanish information technology.
The upgrade is part of a series of refurbishments being carried out at the airport including the closure of two terminals for renovation works at the transport hub.
KCAA noted in January that Terminal 1B and Terminal 1C would be inaccessible to flight operators and their passengers.
The refurbishment exercise is expected to take 12 months at a cost of Ksh963 million.
When complete the terminals will have improved check-in, security screening, retail operations as well as lounge experience for departing passengers.
The affected airlines included Lufthansa German Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopia Airlines, RwandAir, Air Mozambique, Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, British Airways will operate at Terminal 1A.
On March 1, Airport Council International (ACI) awarded the Best Airport by Size and Region to JKIA.
