AAI accords in-principle nod for Chennai-Tiruchi radar data transfer

Air traffic surveillance mechanism of Tiruchi airport will be enhanced

January 29, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:45 am IST - TIRUCHI:

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has accorded an in-principle approval for transfer of radar data from the Chennai airport to Tiruchi international airport.

The data transfer will enhance air traffic surveillance mechanism of the Tiruchi international airport which is not equipped with radar facility.

Airport sources said the AAI gave its nod for transfer of radar data in December as Tiruchi airport witnessed an increase in movement of flights over the years besides recording an upward trend in the number of travellers.

Tiruchi airport was equipped with advanced automation system allowing it to receive radar data from the nearby station — Chennai international airport — through the optic fibre cable mode.

The Tiruchi airport authorities have discussed with the BSNL for providing a dedicated leased line to enable transfer of radar data through OFC link.

A proposal seeking funds for providing a leased line for transfer of radar data has been forwarded to the AAI authorities.

One of the fastest growing airports in the country, Tiruchi, which is categorised under ‘Type-A’ airport, already has in place the next generation automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system.

In addition to boosting efficiency of the air traffic management services of Tiruchi airport, the transfer of data would ensure better surveillance and tracking of aircraft movements operating around Tiruchi.

The data transfer would reduce time delays in flight thereby saving precious aviation turbine fuel for the airline operators and reducing carbon emissions, a senior official said.

In the absence of radar equipment, Tiruchi airport is at present providing procedural air traffic control services involving time delay for aircraft.

The data transfer would be part of the modernisation of the air navigation infrastructure at Tiruchi airport, a senior official said. The airport authorities have proposed to bifurcate the air traffic control unit here.

While one unit would focus on aircraft take off and landing, the other would direct the routes. On an average, 15 flights were operated from Tiruchi airport every day with a majority of them being overseas carriers. Tiruchi airport authorities expect the movement of passengers to touch the 11 lakh mark during this financial year given the present trend.

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