New Zealand wants to strengthen its air navigation systems

On June 6, the New Zealand government announced an independent review of the country’s air navigation system. However, the ad gives little idea of ​​the terms of reference of the review or what problems, if any, it intends to solve.

A year later, and the review should begin

Almost a year ago, this review was first announced New Zealand Minister of Transport Michael Wood. Initial attention was focused on “Air Navigation System Reviews” with a call to submit materials from industry stakeholders and stakeholders. Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP) is Airways NZ, a state-owned enterprise that must balance its commercial viability with the provision of services and commitments in the national interest. Other significant stakeholders Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and major airports AucklandWellington and Christchurch.

The Association of New Zealand Airports (NZAA) is the industry body representing 42 airports across the country and it welcomed the review of the air navigation system. In July 2021, CEO Kevin Ward said: “We believe there are some areas of mismatch between the needs of a secure, efficient and reliable national air transport network and the way it is set up and funded at the moment.” He added: “There is considerable tension between the requirements of Airways NZ to operate on a purely commercial basis and the need for ongoing services in those parts of the network that have less traffic and less ability to pay directly for local services.”

Simple Flying spoke to Ward today, and he confirmed that yesterday’s announcement was part of the same process that took nearly a year to move to the actual review phase. In terms of the airport, he says “it should be an overview of how airspace has been used over the last 30 years, covering everything from air navigation to lighthouses that allow you to fly around the country.” He added that “there are some cracks in the system that emphasize that the previous, highly commercial model may not fit the goals.”

“As a state-owned enterprise, Airways may waive certain services on a commercial basis if those services are required in the national interest. There are areas where reinvestment is required that may not fit into a purely commercial model.”

Commercial and government commitments need to be balanced

Since July, policymakers have focused on identifying key components of air navigation and air traffic management systems, suppliers of these components, users who benefit from the system and how it is regulated. An audit board has now been appointed, and Wood says he is confident the group will work with all stakeholders to understand where there are gaps, where improvements can be made and what needs to be done to ensure a strong air navigation system. Wood said:

“Since the current system was introduced in 2012, we have seen advances in technology, security environments, and changing requirements and expectations. So it’s time to look at all parts of the system to make sure it continues to serve us in the future.”

New Zealand is a sparsely populated country in which communities are widely scattered with complex terrain. Aviation plays a vital role in maintaining the country’s communication, and the provision of air navigation services in such conditions will not always be in line with the principle of use. It will be interesting to see if The technology of a remote tower is finding its way into the landscapeas is already being done in Europe and the US.

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