TSSP Simulator launch
4 September 2009; Air Traffic Control, Jackson’s Airport, Port Moresby, PNG
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, HE Chris Moraitis
Good morning.
It’s a great pleasure to be here today on this important occasion.
Today is about using cutting edge technology to ensure that PNG’s air traffic controllers here in Port Moresby and across PNG are as skilled as they possibly can be.
And as we all know air transport has always been an integral part of moving people and goods around PNG.
I am told that PNG Air Services has a major Air Traffic Control Centre here at Jacksons Airport providing services to both domestic and international flights including international carriers which only fly through the upper airspace.
And then there are six air traffic control towers in Port Moresby, Tokua, Mt Hagen, Goroka, Nadzab, and Madang. All-up these services employ around 130 controllers.
This gives you some indication of the size and importance of PNG’s aviation industry and the importance of the job that the air traffic controllers do.
Prior to the availability of this equipment Air Traffic Services personnel had to travel overseas for training, which was a great expense to the Government.
I understand that this new equipment will save PNG around K2 million per annum.
So not only do staff now undergo their training here in PNG but they use programs which are simulated on PNG conditions. This means using PNG maps, air space, route structures, radio frequencies and terrain – and this can only mean better trained and more effective staff.
And it’s not just a matter of using pre-programmed training situations.
I understand that Augustine Teddy who was recently trained by Air Services Australia in Melbourne, can create a vast array of training scenarios including emergency situations using the training facilities and the testing room.
I also understand Kalago Galogo has been trained by Air Services Australia to fully maintain the simulator.
So what we have is four rooms filled with the latest in air traffic control technology. In fact I understand that the simulator has the latest version of software which even Australia is not yet using.
I believe that the equipment may also provide outside business opportunities for PNG Air Services around the Pacific area which would be another positive outcome.
I am also pleased to learn that the complex array of modules which house this equipment was designed and constructed in PNG by Pryde Furniture.
The cost of this project was funded through the Transport Sector Support Program which is an integral part of the PNG-Australia Development Program.
This program is at the centre of continuing AusAID support for initiatives that are building the backbone of the nation’s road, aviation and marine transport infrastructure and is a 10 to 15 year commitment by both Governments.
The Australian Government is providing over K100 million each year to support this important program. And it really does achieve some important outcomes.
It means that the villagers in the agriculturally rich areas along the Sepik Highway in Sandaun Province are able to reach markets, port and airport facilities with their major export produce.
It means PNG exports can continue to be shipped to international markets by improving the operations of key PNG Ports such as Lae and Port Moresby.
And it means rural communities in PNG have access to markets via the continued maintenance of 4000km of priority national roads.
On the aviation front the program has assisted the Civil Aviation Authority to develop a plan for improvements at airports at Wewak, Girua, Hoskins, Tokua and Madang as well as a security upgrade for Jacksons Airport. This simulator will assist PNG Air Services to provide safer and more efficient services in PNG airspace.
This focus is encapsulated under the PNG-Australia Partnership for Development signed by Prime Ministers Rudd and Somare last year.
The partnership is currently focused on five key areas: health, basic education, the public sector, statistical information and, of course, transport infrastructure such as what we are here to acknowledge today.
The partnership commits both the PNG and Australian Governments to make solid and measurable progress towards a number of jointly agreed and funded targets in each of these sectors, to assist PNG to meet its commitment under the Millennium Development Goals.
The development outcomes which both Governments have committed to delivering under the Partnership will improve the lives of all Papua New Guineans.
And that is what today is about. It’s about a big and positive step forward for PNG’s aviation industry and the people who will use PNG’s air space.
I understand the first group to use the new facilities will begin next week so good luck to you.
I am proud Australia is able to be a part of such a progressive and forward-looking program and I look forward to viewing the equipment first-hand.
Thank you.