Aviation
ATNS Promotes Talks on Industry Innovation, Research and Development
TSHWANE – Aviation and aerospace industry experts, academia and critical role players from various government departments and state-owned entities, multinational companies and global research institutions, met for a day of in-depth discussions on innovation, research and development, during the 2nd Annual Air Traffic Control System,ATNS AVI AFRIQUE Aviation Innovation Summit held at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria yesterday.
Guest Speakers and Panellists’ discussions and debates focussed on the qualitative analysis of various environmental factors such as, but not limited to technological, legislative, political and socio-economic, affecting the African continent’s aviation industry.
Innovation challenges, characteristics and gaps in the aerospace and aviation also came under scrutiny.
ATNS Chief Executive Officer, Thabani Mthiyane observed that ATNS’ efforts has led to the congregation of impressive thinkers under one roof, who have made it their priority to innovate for the benefit of the aerospace and aviation industries. “We are proud of the work that has gone into spearheading the participation of some of world’s greatest minds in a collaborative approach towards establishing solutions for the industry” said Thabani.
Professor Sunil Maharaj, the University of Pretoria’s Broad Wireless Multimedia (BWM) Chairman, shared some useful statistics with the Summit’s delegates, which revealed that South Africa is only producing twenty-eight (28) Research and Development (R and D) Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs) per one million of the South African population. According to the National Development Plan’s 2030 targets, the country needs a hundred (100) PhD graduates per million people – to achieve the required R&D in the country.
“International research has shown that there is a strong correlation between knowledge based economies and the country’s GDP. As such, we need PhD graduates to produce ideas and research that can take us to a knowledge-based economy, in order to achieve higher levels of GDP and global competiveness,” remarked Maharaj.
For its part, ATNS has partnered with the University of Pretoria with the aim to develop skills to innovate the industry.
Mapping the way forward, it is clear that collaboration and co-operation between the aviation industry, research institutions and organs of government is a priority in order to advance the innovation of safer skies. Tshepo Peege, the Department of Transport’s Acting Deputy Director General for Civil Aviation explained that “Collaboration with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and ATNS enhances efficiencies and further ensures ICAO standards and recommended practices are adhered to. The SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) as the regulator will ensure that safety is maintained through adherence to ICAO standards and regulations.”
In his address, Tshepo also highlighted safety concerns accompanied with the increasing demand of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in civil roles. Increasingly, other users of UAV’s include mining, border control and security for anti-rhino poaching.
One of the event’s highlights included a discussion on wind farm technology. Michele Moruzzis, Senior expert for Thales Air Systems (France) mentioned that “The way forward is collaboration between wind farm developers and radar operators. Wind farms will also be contributors to the global energy mix. While both wind farms energy and aviation safeties are national priorities, they are also competing priorities. We therefore need to get the right social innovation for progress and co-operate with each other to find a solution.”
Other topics discussed were “collaboration between research institutions and industry” and “how an independent air transport research capability contributes to innovation: benefits to aviation and society”.
In her closing remarks Mrs Poppy Khoza, representing the SACAA, echoed these remarks, saying, “We all need one another if we are to improve our air safety. The Summit made it clear that as Aviators, we can find our own solutions.”
Notable speakers on the day included the Netherland’s National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) representative, Louis Aartman; Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Meraka Institute’s Senior Researcher, Chris R Burger and Aarti Panday, Senior Investment Case Specialist at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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